UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from
 
to
 

Commission
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
I.R.S. Employer
File Number
Address; and Telephone Number
Identification No.
   
333-21011
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
34-1843785
 
(An Ohio Corporation)
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-2578
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
34-0437786
 
(An Ohio Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-2323
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
34-0150020
 
(An Ohio Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-3583
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
34-4375005
 
(An Ohio Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-3491
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
25-0718810
 
(A Pennsylvania Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-3141
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
21-0485010
 
(A New Jersey Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-446
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
23-0870160
 
(A Pennsylvania Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 
   
1-3522
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
25-0718085
 
(A Pennsylvania Corporation)
 
 
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
76 South Main Street
 
 
Akron, OH 44308
 
 
Telephone (800)736-3402
 


 


Indicate by check mark whether each of the registrants (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes X No   

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):

YesX 
No   
FirstEnergy Corp.
Yes    
NoX
Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

 
OUTSTANDING
CLASS
AS OF AUGUST 1,NOVEMBER 2, 2005
FirstEnergy Corp., $.10 par value329,836,276
Ohio Edison Company, no par value100
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, no par value79,590,689
The Toledo Edison Company, $5 par value39,133,887
Pennsylvania Power Company, $30 par value6,290,000
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, $10 par value15,371,270
Metropolitan Edison Company, no par value859,500
Pennsylvania Electric Company, $20 par value5,290,596
 

FirstEnergy Corp. is the sole holder of Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company common stock. Ohio Edison Company is the sole holder of Pennsylvania Power Company common stock.

This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf. No registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other registrant, except that information relating to any of the FirstEnergy subsidiary registrants is also attributed to FirstEnergy Corp.

This Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate", "potential", "expect", "believe", "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, the continued ability of our regulated utilities to collect transition and other charges, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures (including that such amounts could be higher than anticipated) or levels of emission reductions related to the settlement agreement resolving the New Source Review litigation, adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including, but not limited to, the revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of government investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Attorney’s Office and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as disclosed in the registrants’ Securities and Exchange Commission filings, generally, and with respect to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage and heightened scrutiny at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in particular, the availability and cost of capital, rising interest rates and other inflationary trends, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, the ability of generating units to continue to operate at, or near full capacity, the inability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits of strategic goals (including the proposed transfer of nuclear generation assets), the ability to improve electric commodity margins and to experience growth in the distribution business, any decision of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission regarding the plan filed by Penn on October 11, 2005 to secure electricity supply for its customers at a set rate, the ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the August 14, 2003 regional power outage, the final outcome in the proceeding related to FirstEnergy's Application for a Rate Stabilization Plan (RSP) in Ohio, specifically, the PUCO's acceptance of the September 9, 2005 proposed supplement to the RSP, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in the registrants' Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including their annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and other similar factors. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and it may be subject to revision or withdrawal. Dividends declared from time to time on FirstEnergy's common stock during any annual period may in aggregate vary from the indicated amounts due to circumstances considered by FirstEnergy's Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. The registrants expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.





TABLE OF CONTENTS


  
Pages
Glossary of Terms
iii-iviii-v
   
Part I. Financial Information
 
   
Items 1. and 2. - Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of of
            Results of Operation and Financial Condition
 
   
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements1-231-25
   
FirstEnergy Corp.
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income2426
 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income2527
 Consolidated Balance Sheets2628
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows2729
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm2830
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and29-6031-65
 
Financial Condition
 
   
Ohio Edison Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income6166
 Consolidated Balance Sheets6267
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows6368
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm6469
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and65-7570-82
 
Financial Condition
 
   
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income7683
 Consolidated Balance Sheets7784
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows7885
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm7986
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and80-9087-98
 
Financial Condition
 
   
The Toledo Edison Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income9199
 Consolidated Balance Sheets92100
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows93101
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm94102
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and95-104103-114
 
Financial Condition
 
   
Pennsylvania Power Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income105115
 Consolidated Balance Sheets106116
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows107117
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm108118
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and109-116119-127
 
Financial Condition
 




i
i



TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)


  
Pages
   
   
Jersey Central Power & Light Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income117128
 Consolidated Balance Sheets118129
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows119130
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm120131
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and121-128132-140
 
Financial Condition
 
   
Metropolitan Edison Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income129141
 Consolidated Balance Sheets130142
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows131143
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm132144
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and133-139145-153
 
Financial Condition
 
   
Pennsylvania Electric Company
 
   
 Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income140154
 Consolidated Balance Sheets141155
 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows142156
 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm143157
 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and144-150158-166
 
Financial Condition
 
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
151167
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
151167
   
Part II. Other Information
 
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
152168
  168
Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
152
   
      Item 4.5.  Other InformationSubmission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
152 168
  
Item 6. Exhibits
153-168169-184




ii
ii



GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify FirstEnergy Corp. and its current and former subsidiaries:

ATSIAmerican Transmission Systems, Incorporated, owns and operates transmission facilities
CEIThe Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
CFCCenterior Funding Corporation, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of CEI
CompaniesOE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
EUOCElectric Utility Operating Companies (OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, and ATSI)
FENOCFirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, operates nuclear generating facilities
FESFirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESCFirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FGCOFirstEnergy Generation Corp., owns and operates nonnuclearnon-nuclear generating facilities
FirstComFirst Communications, LLC, provides local and long-distance telephone service
FirstEnergyFirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
FSGFirstEnergy Facilities Services Group, LLC, the parent company of several heating, ventilation,
 
air conditioning and energy management companies
GPUGPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which merged with FirstEnergy on
 
November 7, 2001
JCP&LJersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
JCP&L Transition
JCP&L Transition Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and issuer of transition
 bonds
Met-EdMetropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
MYRMYR Group, Inc., a utility infrastructure construction service company
NGC
FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp. established to acquire FirstEnergy's nuclear generating facilities
OEOhio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
OE CompaniesOE and Penn
Ohio CompaniesCEI, OE and TE
PenelecPennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
PennPennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
PNBVPNBV Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by OE in 1996
ShippingportShippingport Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by CEI and TE in 1997
TEThe Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TEBSATermobarranguillaTermobarranquilla S. A., Empresa de Servicios Publicos


The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:


AOCLAccumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APBAccounting Principles Board
APB 25APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
APB 29APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting“Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"Transactions”
AROAsset Retirement Obligation
BGSBasic Generation Service
CAIRClean Air Interstate Rule
CALConfirmatory Action Letter
CATCommercial Activity Tax
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTCCompetitive Transition Charge
DOJUnited States Department of Justice
ECAREast Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITFEmerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
 
Investments"Investments”
EITF 04-13
EITF Issue No. 04-13, "Accounting“Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same
 Counterparty"Counterparty”
EITF 99-19EITF Issue No. 99-19, "Reporting“Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent"Agent”
EPAEnvironmental Protection Agency
EROElectric Reliability Organization
FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
FERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission
FINFASB Interpretation
FIN 46RFIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"

iii


FIN 47
FASB Interpretation 47, "Accounting“Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an
 interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"143”
FMBFMBsFirst Mortgage Bonds
FSPFASB Staff Position




iii



FSP EITF 03-1-1FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
 
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain
 
Investments"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application“Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, to the Tax Deduction on Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs
Creation Act of 2004"2004”
GCAFGeneration Charge Adjustment Factor
GAAPAccounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
GHGGreenhouse Gases
HVACHeating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
IBEWInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
KWHKilowatt-hours
LOCLetter of Credit
MEIUGMet-Ed Industrial Users Group
MISOMidwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
MOUMemorandum of Understanding
MSGMarket Support Generation
MTCMarket Transition Charge
MWMegawatts
NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability Council
NJBPUNew Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NOACNorthwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOVNotices of Violation
NOXx
Nitrogen Oxide
NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
NUGNon-Utility Generation
OCAOffice of Consumer Advocate
OCCOhio Consumers' Counsel
OCIOther Comprehensive Income
OPAEOhio Partners for Affordable Energy
OPEBOther Post-Employment Benefits
OSBAOffice of Small Business Advocate
OTSOffice of Trial Staff
PCAOBPublic Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
PCRBsPollution Control Revenue Bonds
PICAPenelec Industrial Customer Association
PJMPJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
PLRProvider of Last Resort
PPUCPennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PRPPotentially Responsible Party
PSAPurchase and Sale Agreement
PUCOPublic Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCAPublic Utility Holding Company Act of 1935
RCPRate Certainty Plan
RSPRate Stabilization Plan
RTCRegulatory Transition Charge
S&PStandard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SBCSocietal Benefits Charge
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFASStatement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 123SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
SFAS 123(R)SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment"“Share-Based Payment”
SFAS 131SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures“Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"Information”
SFAS 133SFAS No. 133, "Accounting“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"Activities”
SFAS 140SFAS No. 140, "Accounting“Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
 
Extinguishment of Liabilities"Liabilities”
SFAS 144SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SFAS 153SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges“Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"29”

iv


SFAS 154
SFAS No. 154, "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No.
  20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
TBCTransition Bond Charge
TMI-2Three Mile Island Unit 2
UWUAUtility Workers Union of America
VIEVariable Interest Entity





ivv



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FIRSTENERGY CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
OHIO EDISON COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


1 - ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
 
FirstEnergy’s principal business is the holding, directly or indirectly, of all of the outstanding common stock of its eight principal electric utility operating subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec. Penn is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE. FirstEnergy's consolidated financial statements also include its other principal subsidiaries: FENOC, FES and its subsidiary FGCO, FESC, FSG and MYR.

FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries follow GAAP and comply with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, FERC and, as applicable, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make periodic estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The reported results of operations are not indicative of results of operations for any future period.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 for FirstEnergy and the Companies. The consolidated unaudited financial statements of FirstEnergy and each of the Companies reflect all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly present results of operations for the interim periods. Certain businesses divested in the first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 have been classified as discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income (see Note 6). As discussed in Note 16, interim period segment reporting in 2004 was reclassified to conform with the current year business segment organizations and operations.

FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries over which they exercise control and, when applicable, entities for which they have a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. FirstEnergy consolidates a VIE (see Note 11) when it anticipates absorbing a majority ofis determined to be the VIE’s gains or losses. If no entity absorbs a majority of the VIE’s gains or losses, FirstEnergy consolidates a VIE when it expects to receive a majority of the VIE’s residual return.VIE's primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates which are not deemed to be VIEs over which FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) are accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method, the interest in the entity is reported as an investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and the percentage share of the entity’s earnings is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

FirstEnergy's and the Companies' independent registered public accounting firm has performed reviews of, and issued reports on, these consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the PCAOB. Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, their reports of those reviews should not be considered a report within the meaning of Section 7 and 11 of that Act, and the independent registered public accounting firm’s liability under Section 11 does not extend to them.

2 - ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN WHOLESALE ENERGY TRANSACTIONS

FES engages in purchase and sale transactions in the PJM Market to support the supply of end-use customers, including PLR requirements in Pennsylvania. In conjunction with FirstEnergy's dedication of its Beaver Valley Plant to PJM on January 1, 2005, FES began accounting for purchase and sale transactions in the PJM Market based on its net hourly position -- recording each hour as either an energy purchase in Fuel and purchased power expense or an energy sale, in Unregulated businesses, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Income.Income relating to the Power Supply Management Services segment. Hourly energy positions are aggregated to recognize gross purchases and sales for the month.
 
 
1

 

This revised method of accounting, which has no impact on net income, is consistent with the practice of other energy companies that have dedicated generating capacity to PJM and correlates with PJM's scheduling and reporting of hourly energy transactions. In addition, FES also applies thisthe net hourly methodology to purchase and sale transactions in MISO's energy market, which became active on April 1, 2005.

For periods prior to January 1, 2005, FirstEnergy did not have dedicatedsubstantial generating capacity in PJM and as such, FES recognized purchases and sales in the PJM Market by recording each discrete transaction. Under these transactions, FES would often buy a specific quantity of energy at a certain location in PJM and simultaneously sell a specific quantity of energy at a different location. Physical delivery occurred and the risks and rewards of ownership transferred with each transaction. FES accounted for those transactions on a gross basis in accordance with EITF 99-19.

TheAt its September 2005 meeting, the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force is currently consideringEITF reached a final consensus on EITF 04-13, which relates to the accounting for purchases and sales of inventory with the same counterparty. The Task Force will address under what circumstancesconcluded that two or more transactions with the same counterparty should be viewed as a single nonmonetary transaction within the scope of APB 29. At its June 2005 meeting, the Task Force agreed to propose for public comment a framework for evaluating transactions within the scope of EITF 04-13. The proposed framework is based on the principle that two or more transactions with the same counterparty should be viewed as a single transaction29, when the transactions are entered into in contemplation"in contemplation" of one another. If theThe consensus will be effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006. Retrospective application to prior transactions and/or restatement of prior period financial statements is not permitted. Accordingly, EITF were04-13 is not applicable to determine that transactions such as FES' purchases and sales in the PJM Market should be accounted for as single nonmonetary transactions, the transition provisions for the EITF may require or permit FES to report the transactionsmade prior to January 1, 20052005. The recognition of these transactions on a net basis. This requirementbasis in 2004 would have no impact on net income, but would reducehave reduced both wholesale revenue and purchased power expense by $283$264 million and $564$828 million for the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2004, respectively.

3 - DEPRECIATION

During the second half of 2004, FirstEnergy engaged an independent third party to assist in reviewing the service lives of its fossil generation units. This study was completed in the first quarter of 2005. As a result of the analysis, FirstEnergy extended the estimated service lives of its fossil generation units for periods ranging from 11 to 33 years during the first quarter of 2005. Extension of the service lives will provide improved matching of depreciation expense with the expected economic lives of those generation units. The change in estimate resulted in increases of $3.1 million (CEI - $1.9 million, OE - $0.6 million, Penn - $0.1 million, TE - $0.3 million, FGCO - $0.2 million) and $9.0 million (CEI - $4.0 million, OE - $3.9 million, Penn - $0.2 million, TE - $0.8 million, FGCO - $0.1 million) in income before discontinued operations and net income ($0.01and $0.03 per share of common stock) during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively.

4 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average of actual common shares outstanding during the respective period as the denominator. The denominator for diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the potential additional common shares that could result if dilutive securities and other agreements to issue common stock were exercised. Stock-based awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2004, to purchase 3.4 million shares of common stock totaling 3.3 million in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2004, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares during the period. No stock-based awards were excluded from the calculation in the three months ended September 30, 2005 and six2004, and the nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005. The following table reconciles the denominators for basic and diluted earnings per share from Income Before Discontinued Operations:




  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
              
Income Before Discontinued Operations $178,765 $201,860 $319,795 $374,209 
              
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:             
Denominator for basic earnings per share             
(weighted average shares outstanding)   328,063  327,284  327,986  327,171 
              
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards  1,816  1,819  1,693  1,890 
              
Denominator for diluted earnings per share  329,879  329,103  329,679  329,061 
              
Income Before Discontinued Operations per Common Share:             
Basic  $0.54  $0.61  $0.98  $1.15 
Diluted  $0.54  $0.61  $0.97  $1.14 
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
              
Income Before Discontinued Operations $331,832 $296,125 $651,627 $670,334 
              
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:             
Denominator for basic earnings per share             
(weighted average shares outstanding)   328,119  327,499  328,030  327,280 
              
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards  2,074  1,600  1,896  1,570 
              
Denominator for diluted earnings per share  330,193  329,099  329,926  328,850 
              
Income Before Discontinued Operations per Common Share:             
Basic  $1.01  $0.90  $1.99  $2.05 
Diluted  $1.01  $0.90  $1.98  $2.04 



2


5 - GOODWILL

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, FirstEnergy evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If impairment is indicated, FirstEnergy recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. FirstEnergy's 2005 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2005 with no impairment indicated.

FirstEnergy's goodwill primarily relates to its regulated services segment. In the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, FirstEnergy adjusted goodwill related to the divestiture of non-core operations (FES' retail natural gas business, MYR subsidiary,MYR's Power Piping Company subsidiary, and a portion of its interest in FirstCom) as further discussed in Note 6. In addition, the adjustment ofadjustments to the former GPU and Centerior companies' goodwill waswere recorded to reverse pre-merger tax accruals due to the reversalfinal resolution of pre-mergerthese tax reserves as a result of property tax settlements.contingencies. FirstEnergy estimates that completion of transition cost recovery (see Note 14) will not result in an impairment of goodwill relating to its regulated business segment. A summary of the changes in goodwill for the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 is shown below.


Three Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
CEI
 
TE
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
  
(In millions)
 
Balance as of July 1, 2005 $6,033 $1,694 $505 $1,984 $868 $887 
Pre-merger tax adjustments related to Centerior acquisition  (9) (5) (4) -  -  - 
Balance as of September 30, 2005 $6,024 $1,689 $501 $1,984 $868 $887 


Three Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
CEI
 
TE
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
  
(In millions)
 
              
Balance as of April 1, 2005 $6,034 $1,694 $505 $1,984 $868 $887 
Non-core asset sales  (1) -  -  -  -  - 
Balance as of June 30, 2005 $6,033 $1,694 $505 $1,984 $868 $887 
Nine Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
CEI
 
TE
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
  
(In millions)
 
Balance as of January 1, 2005 $6,050 $1,694 $505 $1,985 $870 $888 
Non-core asset sales  (13) -  -  -  -  - 
Pre-merger tax adjustments related to Centerior acquisition  (9) (5) (4) -  -  - 
Pre-merger tax adjustments related to GPU acquisition  (4) -  -  (1) (2) (1)
Balance as of September 30, 2005 $6,024 $1,689 $501 $1,984 $868 $887 


Six Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
CEI
 
TE
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
  
(In millions)
 
              
Balance as of January 1, 2005 $6,050 $1,694 $505 $1,985 $870 $888 
Non-core asset sales  (13) -  -  -  -  - 
Adjustments related to GPU acquisition  (4) -  -  (1) (2) (1)
Balance as of June 30, 2005 $6,033 $1,694 $505 $1,984 $868 $887 

6 - DIVESTITURES AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In December 2004, FES' retail natural gas business qualified as assets held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144. On March 31, 2005, FES completed the sale for an after-tax gain of $5 million. In March 2005, FirstEnergy sold 51% of its interest in FirstCom, resulting in an after-tax gain of $4 million. FirstEnergy accounts for its remaining 31.85% interest in FirstCom on the equity basis.

During the first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005, FirstEnergy sold certain of its FSG subsidiaries Elliott-Lewis,(Elliott-Lewis, Spectrum and Cranston,Cranston), and MYR’s Power Piping Company subsidiary, resulting in an after-tax gain of $12 million. FSG's remaining subsidiaries qualify as assets held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144 and are expected to be recognized as completed sales before the end of 2005.within one year. The assets and liabilities of these remaining FSG subsidiaries are not material to FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and therefore have not been separately classified as assets held for sale.

Net results (including the gains on sales of assets discussed above) for Elliott-Lewis, Cranston, Power Piping and FES' natural gas business of $(1) million and $18 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $2 million and $4 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, are reported as discontinued operations on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Income. Pre-tax operating results for these entities were $(2) million and $2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $4 million and $7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively. Revenues associated with discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 were $11 million and $206 million, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 were $158 million and $357 million, respectively. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the remaining FSG businesses do not meet the criteria for discontinued operations; therefore, the net results ($(3) million and $(4) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, respectively, and $0.3 million and $(1) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively) from these subsidiaries have been included in continuing operations. See Note 16 for FSG's segment financial information.

Operating results from discontinued operations (including the gains on sales of assets discussed above) for Elliott-Lewis, Cranston, Power Piping and FES' retail natural gas business are summarized as follows:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
Revenues $1 $151 $214 $508 
Income before income taxes $1 $4 $10 $10 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $1 $3 $19 $6 
              

3



The following table summarizes the sources of income (loss) from discontinued operations.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
 
(In millions)
Discontinued operations (net of tax)                        
Gain on sale:
                        
Natural gas business
 $- $- $5 $- 
Retail gas business
 $- $- $5 $- 
FSG and MYR subsidiaries
  -  -  12  -   - -  12 - 
Reclassification of operating income
  (1 2  1  4 
Reclassification of operating income, net of tax
  1  3  2  6 
Total $(1$2 $18 $4  $1 $3 $19 $6 
                        


7 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

FirstEnergy is exposed to financial risks resulting from the fluctuation of interest rates and commodity prices, including prices for electricity, natural gas, coal and energy transmission. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, FirstEnergy uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. The derivatives are used principally for hedging purposes, and to a lesser extent, for trading purposes. FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the Company.

FirstEnergy accounts for derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value unless they meet the normal purchase and normal sales criteria. Derivatives that meet that criteria are accounted for on the accrual basis. The changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument are recorded in current earnings, in other comprehensive income, or as part of the value of the hedged item depending on whether or not it is designated as part of a hedge transaction, and on the nature of the hedge transaction.transaction and hedge effectiveness.

FirstEnergy has entered into fair value hedges of fixed-rate, long-term debt issues to protect against the risk of changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt instruments due to lower interest rates. Swap maturities, call options, fixed interest rates received, and interest payment dates match those of the underlying debt obligations. During the secondthird quarter of 2005, FirstEnergy unwound swaps with a total notional amount of $350 million from which it received $17 million inimmaterial net cash gains. The gains will be recognized in earnings over the remaining maturity of each respective hedged security as reduced interest expense. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the aggregate notional value of interest rate swap agreements outstanding was $1.4$1.05 billion.

FirstEnergy engages in hedging ofhedges anticipated transactions using cash flow hedges. Such transactions include hedges of anticipated electricity and natural gas purchases and anticipated interest payments associated with future debt issues. The effective portion of such hedges are initially recorded in equity as other comprehensive income or loss and are subsequently included in net income as the underlying hedged commodities are delivered or interest payments are made. Gains and losses from any ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are included directly in earnings. The impact of ineffectiveness on earnings during the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 was not material.

During the third quarter of 2005, FirstEnergy entered into several forward starting swap agreements (forward swaps) in order to hedge a portion of the consolidated interest rate risk associated with the possible issuances of fixed-rate, long-term debt securities for one or more of its consolidated entities in the second half of 2006 as outstanding debt matures. These derivatives are treated as cash flow hedges, protecting against the risk of changes in future interest payments resulting from changes in benchmark U.S. Treasury rates between the date of hedge inception and the date of the debt issuance. As of September 30, 2005, FirstEnergy had entered into forward swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $500 million. As of September 30, 2005 the forward swaps had a fair value of $2 million.

The net deferred losslosses of $93$79 million included in AOCL as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, for derivative hedging activity, as compared to the December 31, 2004 balance of $92 million of net deferred losses, resulted from a $4$6 million increasedecrease related to current hedging activity, a $4 million increase due to the sale of gas business contracts and a $7an $11 million decrease due to net hedge losses included in earnings during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Approximately $16$14 million of the net deferred losslosses on derivative instruments in AOCL as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months as hedged transactions occur. The fair value of these derivative instruments will fluctuate from period to period based on various market factors.

FirstEnergy engages in the trading oftrades commodity derivatives and periodically experiences net open positions. FirstEnergy’s risk management policies limit the exposure to market risk from open positions and require daily reporting to management of potential financial exposures. During the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the effect of discretionary trading on earnings was not material.

4

8 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
FirstEnergy applies the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. No material stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income for options as all options granted under those plans have exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the respective grant dates, resulting in substantially no intrinsic value.



4



In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123(R), a revision to SFAS 123 which requires expensing the fair value of stock options (see Note 15). In April 2005, the SEC delayed the effective date of SFAS 123(R) to annual, rather than interim, periods that begin after June 15, 2005. FirstEnergy will be required to adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2006. The table below summarizes the effects on FirstEnergy’s net income and earnings per share had FirstEnergy applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R) to stock-based employee compensation in the current reporting periods.

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
June 30,
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
   
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                     
Net income, as reported    $177,992 $204,045 $337,718 $378,044  $332,360 $298,622 $670,078 $676,666 
                          
Add back compensation expense                          
reported in net income, net of tax                          
(based on APB 25)*    14,413  9,112 22,381  15,806 
(based on APB 25)(1)
 17,404  13,549  39,785  29,355 
                          
Deduct compensation expense based                          
upon estimated fair value, net of tax(2)     (15,656 (13,882) (26,493 (24,829)   (18,378 (16,981) (44,825 (40,380)
                          
Pro forma Net income    $176,749 $199,275 $333,606 $369,021 
Net income, as adjusted  $331,386 $295,190 $665,038 $665,641 
                          
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock -                          
Basic                          
As reported     $0.54  $0.62 $1.03  $1.16   $1.01  $0.91  $2.04  $2.07 
Pro forma     $0.54  $0.61 $1.02  $1.13 
As adjusted  $1.01  $0.90  $2.03  $2.03 
Diluted                          
As reported     $0.54  $0.62 $1.02  $1.15   $1.01  $0.91  $2.03  $2.06 
Pro forma     $0.54  $0.61 $1.01  $1.12 
As adjusted  $1.00  $0.90  $2.02  $2.02 
   
* Includes restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, performance shares, Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
and Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.
 
(1) Includes restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, performance shares, Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for outside Directors.
(1) Includes restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, performance shares, Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for outside Directors.
 
(2) Assumes vesting at age 65.
(2) Assumes vesting at age 65.
 

FirstEnergy reduced the use of stock options in 2005 and increased the use of performance-based, restricted stock units. Therefore, the pro forma effects of applying SFAS 123(R) may not be representative of its future effect. FirstEnergy does not expect to accelerate out-of-the-money options in anticipation of implementing SFAS 123(R) on January 1, 2006 (see Note 15).2006.

9 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
 
FirstEnergy has identified applicable legal obligations for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant and closure of two coal ash disposal sites. The ARO liability of $1.1$1.130 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 included $1.1$1.115 billion for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, Perry and TMI-2 nuclear generating facilities. The Companies' share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site specific studies performed by an independent engineer. FirstEnergy utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO.

In the third quarter of 2005, FirstEnergy revised the ARO associated with Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2 as a result of an updated decommissioning study. The present value of revisions in the estimated cash flows associated with projected decommissioning costs increased the ARO for Beaver Valley Unit 1 by $21 million and decreased the ARO for Beaver Valley Unit 2 by $22 million, resulting in a net decrease in the ARO liability and corresponding plant asset of $1 million (OE - ($2) million, CEI - ($5) million, TE - ($5) million and Penn - $11 million).

The Companies maintain nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $1.6$1.7 billion.



5



The following tables provide the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amount of the ARO and theanalyze changes to the ARO balance during the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Three Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Penn
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
  
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Penn
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
ARO Reconciliation
                  
Balance, April 1, 2005 $1,095 $204 $276 $198 $141 $74 $135 $67 
Balance, July 1, 2005 $1,113 $208 $281 $201 $143 $75 $137 $68 
Liabilities incurred  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Liabilities settled  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Accretion  18 4 5 3 2 1 2 1   18 3 5 4 2 1 2 1 
Revisions in estimated                                    
cash flows  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   (1) (2) (5) (5) 11  -  -  - 
Balance June 30, 2005 $1,113 $208 $281 $201 $143 $75 $137 $68 
Balance, September 30, 2005 $1,130 $209 $281 $200 $156 $76 $139 $69 
                                    
Balance, April 1, 2004 $1,198 $191 $259 $185 $132 $111 $213 $107 
Balance, July 1, 2004 $1,217 $194 $263 $188 $134 $113 $216 $108 
Liabilities incurred  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Liabilities settled  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Accretion  19 3 4 3 2 2 3 2   19 4 5 3 2 2 3 1 
Revisions in estimated                                    
cash flows  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   (176 -  -  -  -  (43) (89) (44)
Balance June 30, 2004 $1,217 $194 $263 $188 $134 $113 $216 $109 
Balance, September 30, 2004 $1,060 $198 $268 $191 $136 $72 $130 $65 
                                    


Six Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Penn
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
Nine Months Ended
 
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Penn
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
Penelec
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
ARO Reconciliation
                  
Balance, January 1, 2005 $1,078 $201 $272 $195 $138 $72 $133 $67  $1,078 $201 $272 $195 $138 $72 $133 $67 
Liabilities incurred  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Liabilities settled  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Accretion  35 7 9 6 5 3 4 1   53 10 14 10 7 4 6 2 
Revisions in estimated                                    
cash flows  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   (1 (2 (5 (5 11  -  -  - 
Balance June 30, 2005 $1,113 $208 $281 $201 $143 $75 $137 $68 
Balance, September 30, 2005 $1,130 $209 $281 $200 $156 $76 $139 $69 
                                    
Balance, January 1, 2004 $1,179 $188 $255 $182 $130 $109 $210 $105  $1,179 $188 $255 $182 $130 $110 $210 $105 
Liabilities incurred  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Liabilities settled  - - - - - - - -   - - - - - - - - 
Accretion  38 6 8 6 4 4 6 4   57 10 13 9 6 5 9 4 
Revisions in estimated                                    
cash flows  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -   (176 -  -  -  -  (43) (89) (44)
Balance June 30, 2004 $1,217 $194 $263 $188 $134 $113 $216 $109 
Balance, September 30, 2004 $1,060 $198 $268 $191 $136 $72 $130 $65 

10 - PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS:
 
The components of FirstEnergy's net periodic pension cost and other postretirement benefitbenefits cost (including amounts capitalized) for the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004, consisted of the following:

 
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Pension Benefits
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
Service cost $19 $19 $38 $39  $19 $19 $58 $58 
Interest cost  64  63  128  126   64  63  191  189 
Expected return on plan assets  (86) (71) (173) (143)  (86) (71) (259) (215)
Amortization of prior service cost  2  2  4  4   2  2  6  7 
Recognized net actuarial loss  9  10  18  20   9  10  27  29 
Net periodic cost $8 $23 $15 $46  $8 $23 $23 $68 





6



 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Service cost $10 $8 $20 $19  $10 $9 $30 $27 
Interest cost  27 25  55 56   27  26  83  83 
Expected return on plan assets  (11) (10) (22) (22)  (11) (10) (34) (32)
Amortization of prior service cost  (11) (8) (22) (19)  (11) (9) (33) (28)
Recognized net actuarial loss  10  9  20  20   10  9  30  29 
Net periodic cost $25 $24 $51 $54  $25 $25 $76 $79 

Pension and postretirement benefit obligations are allocated to FirstEnergy’sthe FirstEnergy subsidiaries employing the plan participants. The Companies capitalize employee benefits related to construction projects. The net periodic pension costs (credits)benefits (credit) and net periodic postretirement benefit costsbenefits (including amounts capitalized) recognized by each of the Companies in the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Pension Benefit Cost (Credit)
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
Pension Benefits (Credit)
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
OE $0.2 $1.8 $0.4 $3.5  $0.2 $1.7 $0.7 $5.2 
Penn  (0.2) 0.1 (0.4) 0.2   (0.2) 0.1  (0.7) 0.4 
CEI  0.3 1.6 0.7 3.2   0.3  1.6  1.0  4.8 
TE  0.3 0.8 0.6 1.6   0.3  0.8  1.0  2.3 
JCP&L  (0.3) 1.9 (0.5) 3.7   (0.3) 1.9  (0.8) 5.6 
Met-Ed  (1.1) - (2.2) 0.1   (1.1) 0.1  (3.2) 0.2 
Penelec  (1.3) 0.1 (2.7) 0.2   (1.3) 0.1  (4.0) 0.4 


 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Other Postretirement Benefit Cost
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
Other Postretirement Benefits
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
OE $5.8 $4.9 $11.5 $12.0  $5.8 $5.7 $17.3 $17.7 
Penn  1.2 1.0 2.4 2.5   1.2  1.2  3.5  3.7 
CEI  3.8 3.6 7.6 9.2   3.8  4.4  11.4  13.7 
TE  2.2 1.3 4.3 3.4   2.2  1.7  6.5  5.0 
JCP&L  1.5 0.9 4.2 2.5  ��1.5  1.0  5.7  3.5 
Met-Ed  0.4 0.5 0.8 1.8   0.4  0.7  1.2  2.5 
Penelec  2.0 0.4 4.0 1.8   2.0  0.7  5.9  2.5 

11 - VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

Leases

Included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements areinclude PNBV and Shippingport, two VIEs created in 1996 and 1997, respectively, to refinance debt originally issued in connection with sale and leaseback transactions. PNBV and Shippingport financial data are included in the consolidated financial statements of OE and CEI, respectively.

PNBV was established to purchase a portion of the lease obligation bonds issued in connection with OE’s 1987 sale and leaseback of its interests in the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2. OE used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by PNBV. Ownership of PNBV includes a three-percent equity interest by a nonaffiliated third party and a three-percent equity interest held by OES Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of OE. Shippingport was established to purchase all of the lease obligation bonds issued in connection with CEI’s and TE’s Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction in 1987. CEI and TE used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by Shippingport.

OE, CEI and TE are exposed to losses under the applicable sale-leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events that each company considers unlikely to occur. OE, CEI and TE each have a maximum exposure to loss under these provisions of approximately $1 billion, which represents the net amount of casualty value payments upon the occurrence of specified casualty events that render the applicable plant worthless. Under the applicable sale and leaseback agreements, OE, CEI and TE have net minimum discounted lease payments of $663$678 million, $101$103 million and $531$541 million, respectively, that would not be payable if the casualty value payments are made.


 
7

 
Power Purchase Agreements

In accordance with FIN 46R, FirstEnergy evaluated its power purchase agreements and determined that certain NUG entities may be VIEs to the extent they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Companies and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. FirstEnergy, through its subsidiaries JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, maintains approximately 30 long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities. The agreements were structured pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. FirstEnergy was not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, these entities.

FirstEnergy has determined that for all but nineeight of these entities, neither JCP&L, Met-Ed nor Penelec have variable interests in the entities or the entities are governmental or not-for-profit organizations not within the scope of FIN 46R. JCP&L, Met-Ed or Penelec may hold variable interests in the remaining nineeight entities, which sell their output at variable prices that correlate to some extent with the operating costs of the plants.

As required by FIN 46R, FirstEnergy periodically requests from these nineeight entities the information necessary to determine whether they are VIEs or whether JCP&L, Met-Ed or Penelec is the primary beneficiary. FirstEnergy has been unable to obtain the requested information, which in most cases was deemed by the requested entity to be proprietary. As such, FirstEnergy applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities under FIN 46R. The maximum exposure to loss from these entities results from increases in the variable pricing component under the contract terms and cannot be determined without the requested data. Purchased power costs from these entities during the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004 are shown in the table below:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
              
JCP&L $29 $35 $56 $63 
Met-Ed  14  9  30  25 
Penelec  7  6  14  13 
Total $50 $50 $100 $101 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
        (In millions)
             
JCP&L$33 $26 $74 $71 
Met-Ed 10  13  40  38 
Penelec 7  7  21  20 
Total$50 $46 $135 $129 

Securitized Transition Bonds

The consolidated financial statements of FirstEnergy and JCP&L include the results of JCP&L Transition, a wholly owned limited liability company of JCP&L. In June 2002, JCP&L Transition sold $320 million of transition bonds to securitize the recovery of JCP&L's bondable stranded costs associated with the previously divested Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

JCP&L did not purchase and does not own any of the transition bonds, which are included as long-term debt on FirstEnergy's and JCP&L's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The transition bonds are obligations of JCP&L Transition only and are collateralized solely by the equity and assets of JCP&L Transition, which consist primarily of bondable transition property. The bondable transition property is solely the property of JCP&L Transition.

Bondable transition property represents the irrevocable right under New Jersey law of a utility company to charge, collect and receive from its customers, through a non-bypassable TBC, the principal amount and interest on the transition bonds and other fees and expenses associated with their issuance. JCP&L sold the bondable transition property to JCP&L Transition and, as servicer, manages and administers the bondable transition property, including the billing, collection and remittance of the TBC, pursuant to a servicing agreement with JCP&L Transition. JCP&L is entitled to a quarterly servicing fee of $100,000$0.1 million that is payable from TBC collections.

12 - OHIO TAX LEGISLATION
 
On June 30, 2005, the State of Ohio enacted new tax legislation that creates a new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT),CAT tax, which is based on qualifying "taxable“taxable gross receipts"receipts” and will not consider any expenses or costs incurred to generate such receipts, except for items such as cash discounts, returns and allowances, and bad debts. The CAT tax iswas effective July 1, 2005, and replaces the Ohio income-based franchise tax and the Ohio personal property tax. The CAT tax is phased-in while the current income-based franchise tax is phased-out over a five-year period at a rate of 20% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005, and the personal property tax is phased-out over a four-year period at a rate of approximately 25% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005. For example, during the phase-out period the Ohio income-based franchise tax will be computed consistently with the prior tax law, except that the tax liability as computed will be multiplied by 4/5 in 2005; 3/5 in 2006; 2/5 in 2007 and 1/5 in 2008, therefore eliminating the current income-based franchise tax over a five-year period. As a result of the new tax structure, all net deferred tax benefits that arewere not expected to reverse during the five-year phase-in period were written-off as of June 30, 2005.


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The increase (in millions) to income taxes associated with the adjustment to net deferred taxes for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 is summarized belowbelow: (in millions):

OE $36.0
CEI  7.5
TE  17.5
Other FirstEnergy subsidiaries  10.7
Total FirstEnergy $71.7

Income tax expenses were (increased) reduced during the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 by the initial phase-out of the Ohio income-based franchise tax and phase-in of the CAT tax as summarized below (in millions):below:

 
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2005
 
September 30, 2005
  
 
(In millions)
       
OE $4.9  $1.6 $6.5 
CEI  1.4   (3.1) (1.7)
TE  0.5   0.7  1.2 
Other FirstEnergy subsidiaries  0.8   0.7  1.5 
Total FirstEnergy $7.6  $(0.1)$7.5 

13 - COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)  GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES

As part of normal business activities, FirstEnergy enters into various agreements on behalf of its subsidiaries to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties. Such agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds and ratings contingent collateralization provisions. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $2.4$2.7 billion and included contract guarantees ($1.11.3 billion), surety bonds ($0.3 billion) and LOCs ($1.01.1 billion).

FirstEnergy guarantees energy and energy-related payments of its subsidiaries involved in energy commodity activities - principally to facilitate normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. FirstEnergy also provides guarantees to various providers of subsidiary financing principally for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. These agreements legally obligate FirstEnergy to fulfill the obligations of those subsidiaries directly involved in energy and energy-related transactions or financing where the law might otherwise limit the counterparties' claims. If demands of a counterparty were to exceed the ability of a subsidiary to satisfy existing obligations, FirstEnergy's guarantee enables the counterparty's legal claim to be satisfied by other FirstEnergy assets. Such parental guarantees amount to $0.9$0.8 billion (included in the $1.1$1.3 billion discussed above) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and the likelihood is remote that such guarantees will increase amounts otherwise to be paid by FirstEnergy to meet its obligations incurred in connection with financings and ongoing energy and energy-related contracts.

While these types of guarantees are normally parental commitments for the future payment of subsidiary obligations, subsequent to the occurrence of a credit rating-downgrade or "material“material adverse event"event” the immediate posting of cash collateral or provision of aan LOC may be required of the subsidiary. The following table summarizes collateral provisions in effect as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005:

    
Total
 
Collateral Paid
 
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
   
Exposure 
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
Exposure
 
    
(In millions)
                 
Credit rating downgrade    $367 $141 $18 $208 
Adverse event     50  -  7  43 
Total    $417 $141 $25 $251 
                 

   
Total
 
Collateral Paid
 
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
  
Exposure 
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
Exposure
 
   
(In millions)
                
Credit rating downgrade   $445 $213 $18 $214 
Adverse event    77  -  5  72 
Total   $522 $213 $23 $286 
                

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings of FirstEnergy's holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+'. As a result of the rating upgrade, $109 million of cash collateral was subsequently returned to FirstEnergy.



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Most of FirstEnergy's surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related FirstEnergy guarantees of $296$307 million provide additional assurance to outside parties that contractual and statutory obligations will be met in a number of areas including construction jobs, environmental commitments and various retail transactions.

The Companies, with the exception of TE and JCP&L, each have a wholly owned subsidiary whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from its respective parent company. The CEI subsidiary's borrowings are also secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from TE. Each subsidiary company has its own receivables financing arrangement and, as a separate legal entity with separate creditors, would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be available to its parent company. The following table includes information regarding the subsidiary companies and their respective financing arrangement.

Subsidiary Company
 
Parent Company
 
Capacity
 
    
(In millions)
 
OES Capital, Incorporated  OE $170 
Centerior Funding Corp.  CEI  200 
Penn Power Funding LLC  Penn  25 
Met-Ed Funding LLC  Met-Ed  80 
Penelec Funding LLC  Penelec  75 
     $550 

    
Financing Arrangement
 
Subsidiary Company
 
Parent Company
 
Borrowing Capacity
 
   
(In millions)
OES Capital, Incorporated  OE $170 
CFC  CEI  200 
Penn Power Funding LLC  Penn  25 
Met-Ed Funding LLC  Met-Ed  80 
Penelec Funding LLC  Penelec  75 
     $550 
        

FirstEnergy has guaranteed the obligations of the operators of the TEBSA project, up to a maximum of $6 million (subject to escalation) under the project's operations and maintenance agreement. In connection with the sale of TEBSA in January 2004, the purchaser indemnified FirstEnergy against any loss under this guarantee. FirstEnergy has also provided an LOC ($47 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005), which is renewable and declines yearly based upon the senior outstanding debt of TEBSA. The LOC was reduced to $36 million on October 15, 2005.

(B) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Companies with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Companies with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it competes with companies that are not subject to such regulations and therefore do not bear the risk of costs associated with compliance, or failure to comply, with such regulations. Overall, FirstEnergy believes it is in compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future changechanges in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such changes would be. FirstEnergy estimates additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance of approximately $430$670 million for 2005 through 2007.
 
The Companies accrue environmental liabilities only when they conclude that it is probable that they have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Companies’ determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.
 
FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.

Clean Air Act Compliance
 
The Companies areFirstEnergy is required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Companies cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Companies believe they areFirstEnergy believes it is complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies'FirstEnergy's facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85 percent reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Companies believe theirFirstEnergy believes its facilities are also complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

 
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 
In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulations to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2). The Companies’ in all cases from the 2003 levels. FirstEnergy's Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOx emissions, whereas ourtheir New Jersey fossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to a cap on NOx emissions only. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operateFirstEnergy operates affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Mercury Rule," which provides a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as(as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program.program). Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. TheHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury Rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. FirstEnergy's future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities coveringalleging violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which iswas owned at that time by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)DOJ filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, including a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. On March 18, 2005, OE and Penn announced that they had reached a settlement with the EPA, the DOJ and three states (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) that resolved all issues related to the W. H. Sammis Plant New Source Review litigation. This settlement agreement, which is in the form of a Consent Decree, that was approved by the Court on July 11, 2005, requires OE and Penn to reduce Nox and SO2emissions fromat the W. H. Sammis Plant and other coal fired plants through the installation of pollution control devices requiring capitaldevices. Capital expenditures necessary to meet those requirements are currently estimated to be $1.1$1.5 billion (primarily(the primary portion of which is expected to be spent in the 2008 to 2011 time period). As disclosed in FirstEnergy's Form 8-K dated August 26, 2005, FGCO entered into an agreement with Bechtel Power Corporation (Bechtel), under which Bechtel will engineer, procure, and construct air quality control systems for the reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions. The settlement agreement also requires OE and Penn to spend up to $25 million toward environmentally beneficial projects, which include wind energy purchasepurchased power agreements over a 20-year term. OE and Penn agreed to pay a civil penalty of $8.5 million. Results for the first quarter of 2005 included the penalties payable by OE and Penn of $7.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. OE and Penn also recognized liabilities of $9.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, during the first quarter of 2005, for probable future cash contributions toward environmentally beneficial projects during the first quarter of 2005.projects.

Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gasesGHG emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gasGHG intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

 
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The CompaniesFirstEnergy cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the CompaniesFirstEnergy is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies'its diversified generation sources, which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

Clean Water Act
 
Various water quality regulations, the majority of which are the result of the federal Clean Water Act and its amendments, apply to the Companies'FirstEnergy's plants. In addition, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies'FirstEnergy's operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large electric generating plants. The regulations call for reductions in impingement mortality, when aquatic organisms are pinned against screens or other parts of a cooling water intake system and entrainment, which occurs when aquatic species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Companies areFirstEnergy is conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by theirits facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste
 
As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

The Companies have been named as PRPs at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Companies' proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accruedTotal liabilities aggregatingof approximately $64 million (JCP&L - $46.8 million, CEI - $2.3 million, TE - $0.2 million, Met-Ed - $47,000$0.1 million and other - $15.0$14.6 million) as of Junehave been accrued through September 30, 2005.

(C) OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Power Outages and Related Litigation
 
In July 1999, the Mid-Atlantic States experienced a severe heat wave, which resulted in power outages throughout the service territories of many electric utilities, including JCP&L's territory. In an investigation into the causes of the outages and the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of all four of New Jersey’s electric utilities, the NJBPU concluded that there was not a prima facie case demonstrating that, overall, JCP&L provided unsafe, inadequate or improper service to its customers. Two class action lawsuits (subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding) were filed in New Jersey Superior Court in July 1999 against JCP&L, GPU and other GPU companies, seeking compensatory and punitive damages arising from the July 1999 service interruptions in the JCP&L territory.

In August 2002, the trial court granted partial summary judgment to JCP&L and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and strict product liability. In November 2003, the trial court granted JCP&L's motion to decertify the class and denied plaintiffs' motion to permit into evidence their class-wide damage model indicating damages in excess of $50 million. These class decertification and damage rulings were appealed to the Appellate Division. The Appellate Division issued a decision on July 8, 2004, affirming the decertification of the originally certified class, but remanding for certification of a class limited to those customers directly impacted by the outages of JCP&L transformers in Red Bank, New Jersey. On September 8, 2004, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the motions filed by plaintiffs and JCP&L for leave to appeal the decision of the Appellate Division. JCP&L has filed a motion for summary judgment. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters and no liability has been accrued as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.




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On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new or material upgrades to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. The FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seekingFirstEnergy companies also are defending six separate complaint cases before the PUCO relating to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All threeoutage. Two cases were originally filed in Ohio State courts but were subsequently dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two ofIn these cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seeksought to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. BothOf the four other pending PUCO complaint cases, three were filed by various insurance carriers either in their own name as subrogees or in the name of their insured. In each of the four cases, the carrier seeks reimbursement from various FirstEnergy companies (and, in one case, from PJM, MISO and American Electric Power Co. as well) for claims paid to insureds for claims allegedly arising as a result of the loss of power on August 14, 2003. The listed insureds in these cases, in many instances, are otherwise currently pending further proceedings.not customers of any FirstEnergy company. The fourth case involves the claim of a non-customer seeking reimbursement for losses incurred when its store was burglarized on August 14, 2003. In addition to the twothese six cases, that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken for any of these cases.

One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.


13



FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Nuclear Plant Matters
 
FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003 from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. On May 11, 2005, FENOC received a subpoena for documents related to outside meetings attended by Davis-Besse personnel on corrosion and cracking of control rod drive mechanisms and additional root cause evaluations.

13

On April 21, 2005, the NRC issued a NOV and proposed a $5.45 million civil penalty related to the degradation of the Davis-Besse reactor vessel head issue described above. On July 8, 2005, FENOC requested an additional 120 days to respond to the NOV. FirstEnergy accrued $2.0 million for the proposeda potential fine in 2004prior to 2005 and accrued the remaining liability for the proposed fine during the first quarter of 2005. On September 14, 2005, FENOC filed its response to the NOV with the NRC. FENOC accepted full responsibility for the past failure to properly implement its boric acid corrosion control and corrective action programs. The NRC NOV indicated that the violations do not represent current licensee performance. FirstEnergy paid the penalty in the third quarter of 2005.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability based on the events surrounding Davis-Besse, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Effective July 1, 2005, the NRC oversight panel for Davis-Besse was terminated and Davis-Besse returned to the standard NRC reactor oversight process. At that time, NRC inspections were augmented to include inspections to support the NRC's Confirmatory Order dated March 8, 2004 that was issued at the time of startup and to address an NRC White Finding related to the performance of the emergency sirens.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years.years and the licensee's failure to take prompt and corrective action. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently owned and/or leased by OE, CEI, TE and Penn (however, see Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which will include owned portions of the plant).

On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forummeeting to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives althougheven though it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004.oversight. During the public forummeeting and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix.

On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process, from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.

14

Other Legal Matters
 
There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy's normal business operations pending against FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The most significantother potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. On August 24, 2005 additional information was requested regarding Davis-Besse. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

On August 22, 2005, a class action complaint was filed against OE in Jefferson County, Ohio Common Pleas Court seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial based on claims of negligence and eight other tort counts alleging damages from the W.H. Sammis Plant air emissions. The two named plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief to eliminate harmful emissions and repair property damage and the institution of a medical monitoring program for class members.

JCP&L's bargaining unit employees filed a grievance challenging JCP&L's 2002 call-out procedure that required bargaining unit employees to respond to emergency power outages. On May 20, 2004, an arbitration panel concluded that the call-out procedure violated the parties’ collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the June 1, 2005, hearing, the Arbitrator decided not to hear testimony on damages and closed the proceedings. On September 9, 2005, the Arbitrator issued an opinion to award approximately $16.1 million to the bargaining unit employees. JCP&L initiated an appeal of this award by filing a motion to vacate in Federal Court in New Jersey on October 18, 2005. JCP&L recognized a liability for the potential $16.1 million award during the three months ended September 30, 2005.

The City of Huron filed a complaint against OE with the PUCO challenging the ability of electric distribution utilities to collect transition charges from a customer of a newly-formed municipal electric utility. The complaint was filed on May 28, 2003, and OE timely filed its response on June 30, 2003. In a related filing, the Ohio Companies filed for approval with the PUCO of a tariff that would specifically allow the collection of transition charges from customers of municipal electric utilities formed after 1998. An adverse ruling could negatively affect full recovery of transition charges by the utility. Hearings on the matter were held in August 2005. Initial briefs from all parties were filed on September 22, 2005 and reply briefs were filed on October 14, 2005. It is unknown when the PUCO will rule on this case.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

14 - REGULATORY MATTERS:

Reliability Initiatives
 
In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. On July 14, 2004, NERC independently verified that FirstEnergy had implemented the various initiatives to be completed by June 30 or summer 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy, which exceptions are now essentially complete. FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades to existing equipment. The FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future as the result of adoption of mandatory reliability standards pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.


 

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As a result of outages experienced in JCP&L's service area in 2002 and 2003, the NJBPU had implemented reviews into JCP&L's service reliability. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)an MOU that set out specific tasks related to service reliability to be performed by JCP&L and a timetable for completion and endorsed JCP&L's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of a Special Reliability Master who made recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability. The Stipulation also incorporates the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of a focused audit of JCP&L's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). A final order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. On February 11, 2005, JCP&L met with the Ratepayer Advocate to discuss reliability improvements. JCP&L continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving revised reliability benchmarks and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004, due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for November 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

In November 2004,The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides for the PPUC approvedcreation of an ERO to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system, subject to FERC review. On September 1, 2005, the FERC issued a settlement agreement filed by Met-Ed, PenelecNotice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish certification requirements for the ERO, as well as regional entities envisioned to assume monitoring and Penn that addressed issues relatedcompliance responsibility for the new reliability standards. The FERC expects to adopt a PPUC investigation into Met-Ed's, Penelec'sfinal rule on or before February 2006 regarding certification requirements for the ERO and Penn's service reliability performance. As partregional entities.

The NERC is expected to reorganize its structure to meet the FERC’s certification requirements for the ERO. Following adoption of the settlement, Met-Ed, Penelecfinal rule, the NERC will be required to make a filing with the FERC to obtain certification as the ERO. The proposed rule also provides for regional reliability organizations designed to replace the current regional councils. The “regional entity” may be delegated authority by the ERO, subject to FERC approval, for enforcing reliability standards adopted by the ERO and Penn agreedapproved by the FERC. The ECAR, Mid-Atlantic Area Council, and Mid-American Interconnected Network reliability councils have signed an MOU designed to enhance serviceconsolidate their regions into a new regional reliability ongoing periodic performance reportingorganization known as ReliabilityFirst Corporation. Their intent is to file and communicationsobtain certification under the final rule as a “regional entity”. All of FirstEnergy’s facilities would be located within the ReliabilityFirst region.

On a parallel path, the NERC is establishing working groups to develop reliability standards to be filed for approval with customers, andthe FERC following the NERC’s certification as an ERO. These reliability standards are expected to collectively maintain theirbuild on the current spending levelsNERC Version 0 reliability standards. It is expected that the proposed reliability standards will be filed with the FERC in early 2006.

The impact of this effort on FirstEnergy is unclear. FirstEnergy believes that it is in compliance with all current NERC reliability standards. However, it is expected that the FERC will adopt stricter reliability standards than those contained in the current NERC Version 0 standards. The financial impact of complying with the new standards cannot be determined at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution forthis time. However, the yearsEnergy Policy Act of 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation processrequires that all prudent costs incurred to address any alleged non-compliancecomply with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful.new reliability standards be recovered in rates.

Ohio

On August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP as modified and approved by the PUCO onin an August 4, 2004 Entry on Rehearing, subject to a competitive bid process. The Rate Stabilization PlanRSP was filed by the Ohio Companies to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of the Ohio Companies' transition plan market development period. In the second quarter of 2004, the Ohio Companies implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the original June 9, 2004 PUCO order andin this proceeding as well as the associated entries on rehearing. On September 28, 2005, the Ohio Supreme Court heard oral argument on the appeals.

The Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Ohio Companies' support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·Amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC extends for OE to as late as 2007; CEI to as late as mid-2009 and TE to as late as mid-2008;

·Deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and

·Ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

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On May 27, 2005, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO to establish a generation rate adjustmentGCAF rider under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. The application seeks to implement recovery of increased fuel costs from 2006 through 2008 applicable to the Ohio Companies' retail customers through a tariff rider to be implemented January 1, 2006. The application reflects projected increases in fuel costs in 2006 compared to 2002 baseline costs. The new rider, after adjustments made in testimony, is seeking to recover all costs above the baseline (approximately $93$88 million in 2006). Various parties including the OCC have intervened in this case. Thecase and the case has been consolidated with the RCP application discussed below.


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On September 9, 2005, the Ohio Companies have received discovery requests from the OCC andfiled an application with the PUCO staff. A procedural schedule has been established bythat, if approved, would supplement their existing RSP with an RCP. On September 27, 2005, the PUCO granted FirstEnergy's motion to consolidate the GCAF rider application with a hearing scheduledthe RCP proceedings and set hearings for October 4,the consolidated cases to begin November 29, 2005. The RCP is designed to provide customers with more certain rate levels than otherwise available under the RSP during the plan period. Major provisions of the RCP include:

On·    Maintain the existing level of base distribution rates through December 9, 2004,31, 2008 for OE and TE, and
    April 30, 2009 for CEI;

·    Defer and capitalize certain distribution costs to be incurred during the PUCO rejectedperiod January 1, 2006
    through December 31, 2008, not to exceed $150 million in each of the auction price resultsthree years;

·    Adjust the RTC and extended RTC recovery periods and rate levels so that full recovery of authorized
    costs will occur as of December 31, 2008 for OE and TE, and as of December 31, 2010 for CEI;

·    Reduce the deferred shopping incentive balances as of January 1, 2006 by up to $75 million for OE,
    $45 million for TE, and $85 million for CEI by accelerating the application of each respective
    company's accumulated cost of removal regulatory liability; and

·    Recover increased fuel costs of up to $75 million, $77 million, and $79 million, in 2006, 2007, and
    2008, respectively, from all OE and TE distribution and transmission customers through a required competitive bid processfuel
    recovery mechanism and issued an entry stating thatOE, TE, and CEI may defer and capitalize increased fuel costs above the pricing
    amount collected through the fuel recovery mechanism.

The following table provides a comparison of the estimated net amortization of regulatory transition costs and deferred shopping incentives (including associated carrying charges) under the approved Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. Theproposed RCP and the current RSP for the period 2006 through 2010:

  
Estimated Net Amortization
 
  
RCP
 
RSP
 
Amortization
       
Total
       
Total
 
Period
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Ohio
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
Ohio
 
  
(In millions)
 
                  
2006 $169 $100 $80 $349 $175 $94 $73 $342 
2007  176  111  89  376  237  104  82  423 
2008  198  129  100  427  206  122  159  487 
2009  -  216  -  216  -  318  -  318 
2010  -  268  -  268  -  271  -  271 
Net Amortization*
 
$
543
 
$
824
 
$
269
 
$
1,636
 
$
618
 
$
909
 
$
314
 
$
1,841
 
 
* RCP aggregate amortization is less than amortization under the RSP due to the accelerated application of regulatory  liabilities to reduce deferred shopping incentives.

Under provisions of the RSP, the PUCO may require the Ohio Companies to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. On July 22, 2005, FirstEnergy filed a competitive bid process for the period beginning in 2007 that is similar to the competitive bid process approved by the PUCO for the Ohio Companies in 2004.2004, which resulted in the PUCO accepting no bids. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP pricing, but notwith no accounting impacts to the related approved accounting,RSP, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

New Jersey

JCP&L is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of June 30, On September 28, 2005, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $518 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of JCP&L's deferred balance upon application by JCP&L and a determination byPUCO issued an Entry that essentially approved the NJBPU thatOhio Companies' filing but delayed the conditionsproposed timing of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, JCP&L filed for approval of the securitization of the deferred balance. JCP&L is in discussions with the NJBPU staff as a result of the stipulated settlement agreements (as further discussed below) which recommended that the NJBPU issue an order regarding JCP&L's application.

The  2003 NJBPU decision on JCP&L's base electric rate proceeding disallowed certain regulatory assets and provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The decision ordered a Phase II proceeding in which the NJBPU would review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards and determine whether the expenditures and projects undertakencompetitive bid process by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability are prudent and reasonable for rate recovery. Depending on its assessment of JCP&L's service reliability, the NJBPU could have increased JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decreased it to 9.25%. On August 15, 2003 and June 1, 2004, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU an interim motion and a supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU decision, respectively. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances; (2) the capital structure including the rate of return; (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 millionfour months, calling for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% returnauction to be held on equity. The filing also requested an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually.

On May 25, 2005, the NJBPU approved two stipulated settlement agreements. The first stipulation between JCP&L and the NJBPU staff resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's motion for reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU order (Phase I Order). The second stipulation between JCP&L, the NJBPU staff and the Ratepayer Advocate resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's Phase II proceeding. The stipulated settlements provide for, among other things, the following:

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million effective June 1, 2005, associated with the Phase I Order reconsideration;

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's Phase II Petition;

·An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its deferred cost balance;

·An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and



16



·A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity to its previous level of 9.5% after the target is not met for two consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% when the target is met for two consecutive quarters.

The Phase II stipulation included an agreement that the distribution revenues increase reflects a three-year amortization of JCP&L's service reliability improvement costs incurred in 2003-2005. This resulted in the creation of a regulatory asset associated with the accelerated tree trimming costs which were expensed in 2003 and 2004. The establishment of the new regulatory asset of approximately $28 million resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $16 million ($0.05 per share of common stock) in the second quarter of 2005.

JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order. New BGS tariffs reflecting the results of a February 2005 auction for the BGS supply became effective June 1, 2005. On May 5, 2005, the NJBPU issued an order that BGS procurement proposals for post transition year four be filed by July 1, 2005. The NJBPU requested that the filings address transmission rate issues and rate design alternatives. JCP&L filed its proposal on July 1, 2005. The auction is scheduled to take place in February 2006 for the supply period beginning June 1,March 21, 2006.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study. This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005. On March 18, 2005, JCP&L filed a response to those comments. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

Pennsylvania

A February 2002 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision affirmed the June 2001 PPUC decision regarding approval of the FirstEnergy/GPU merger, remanded the issues of quantification and allocation of merger savings to the PPUC and denied Met-Ed and Penelec the rate relief initially approved in the PPUC decision. On October 2, 2003, the PPUC issued an order concluding that the Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s June 2001 order in its entirety. In accordance with the PPUC's direction, Met-Ed and Penelec filed supplements to their tariffs that werebecame effective in October 2003 and that reflected the CTC rates and shopping credits in effect prior to the June 2001 order.

17

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. On April 13, 2005, the Commonwealth Court issued an interim order in the remand proceeding that the parties should report the status of the negotiations to the PPUC with a copy to the ALJ. The parties exchanged settlement proposals in May and June 2005 and continue to have settlement discussions.

In an October 16, 2003 order, the PPUC approved JuneSeptember 30, 2004 as the date for Met-Ed's and Penelec's NUG trust fund refunds. The PPUC order also denied their accounting treatment request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring Met-Ed and Penelec to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. On October 22, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Objection with the Commonwealth Court asking that the Court reverse this PPUC finding; a Commonwealth Court judge subsequently denied their Objection on October 27, 2003 without explanation. On October 31, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Application for Clarification of the Court order with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16, 2003 Orders, and an application for reargument, if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that Met-Ed's and Penelec's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed on January 28, 2005.
 
Met-Ed and Penelec purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sales agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation, and the supply profit and loss risk for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec under their NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's and Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for their uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed and Penelec are authorized to defer differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.On November 1, 2005, FES and the other parties to the wholesale power agreement amended the agreement to provide FES the right over the next year to terminate the agreement at any time upon 60 days notice. If the wholesale power agreement were terminated, Met-Ed and Penelec would need to satisfy the applicable portion of their PLR obligations from other sources at prevailing prices, which are likely to be higher than the current price charged by FES under the agreement and, as a result, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s purchased power costs could materially increase.
 
In October 11, 2005, Penn filed a plan with the PPUC to secure electricity supply for its customers at set rates following the end of its transition period on December 31, 2006. Penn is recommending that the Request for Proposal process cover the period of January 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Under Pennsylvania's electric competition law, Penn is required to secure generation supply for customers who do not choose alternative suppliers for their electricity.

New Jersey

JCP&L is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of September 30, 2005, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $508 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of JCP&L's deferred balance upon application by JCP&L and a determination by the NJBPU that the conditions of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, JCP&L filed for approval of the securitization of the July 31, 2003 deferred balance. JCP&L is in discussions with the NJBPU staff as a result of the stipulated settlement agreements (as further discussed below) which recommended that the NJBPU issue an order regarding JCP&L's application. On July 20, 2005, JCP&L requested the NJBPU to set a procedural schedule for this matter and is awaiting NJBPU action.

The 2003 NJBPU decision on JCP&L's base electric rate proceeding (the Phase I Order) disallowed certain regulatory assets and provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The Phase I order also provided for a Phase II proceeding in which the NJBPU would review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards and determine whether the expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability are prudent and reasonable for rate recovery. Depending on its assessment of JCP&L's service reliability, the NJBPU could have increased JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decreased it to 9.25%. On August 15, 2003 and June 1, 2004, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU an interim motion and a supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration of the Phase I Order, respectively. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances; (2) the capital structure including the rate of return; (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requested an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually.
 
On May 25, 2005, the NJBPU approved two stipulated settlement agreements. The first stipulation between JCP&L and the NJBPU staff resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's motion for reconsideration of the Phase I Order. The second stipulation between JCP&L, the NJBPU staff and the Ratepayer Advocate resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's Phase II proceeding. The stipulated settlements provide for, among other things, the following:

1718

 

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million effective June 1, 2005, associated with the Phase I Order reconsideration;

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's Phase II Petition;

·An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its deferred cost balance;

·An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and

·A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.75% to 9.5% if the target is not met for two consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% if the target is met for two consecutive quarters.

The Phase II stipulation included an agreement that the distribution revenue increase also reflects a three-year amortization of JCP&L's one-time service reliability improvement costs incurred in 2003-2005. This resulted in the creation of a regulatory asset associated with accelerated tree trimming and other reliability costs which were expensed in 2003 and 2004. The establishment of the new regulatory asset of approximately $28 million resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $16 million ($0.05 per share of common stock) in the second quarter of 2005.

JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order for the period June 1, 2005 through May 31, 2006. New BGS tariffs reflecting the results of a February 2005 auction for the BGS supply became effective June 1, 2005. On July 1, 2005, JCP&L filed its BGS procurement proposals for post transition year four. The auction is scheduled to take place in February 2006 for the annual supply period beginning June 1, 2006.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study. This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005. On March 18, 2005, JCP&L filed a response to those comments. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

Transmission

On November 1, 2004, ATSI requested authority from the FERC to defer approximately $54 million of vegetation management costs ($17 million deferred as of June 30, 2005) estimated to be incurred from 2004 through 2007. On March 4, 2005, the FERC approved ATSI's request to defer those costs.costs ($21 million deferred as of September 30, 2005). ATSI expects to file an application with the FERC in the firstsecond quarter of 2006 forthat would include recovery of the deferred costs.

On December 30, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed with the PUCO two applications related to the recovery of transmission and ancillary service related costs. The first application seeks recovery of these costs beginning January 1, 2006. At the time of filing the application, these costs were estimated to be approximately $30 million per year; however, the Ohio Companies anticipate that this amount will increase. The Ohio Companies requested that these costs be recovered through a rider that would be effective on January 1, 2006 and adjusted thereafter each July 1.1 thereafter. The Ohio Companies reached a settlement with OCC, PUCO staff, Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and OPAE. The only other party in this proceeding, Dominion Retail, Inc., agreed not to oppose the settlement. This settlement, which was filed with the PUCO on July 22, 2005, provides for the rider recovery requested by the Ohio Companies, with carrying charges applied in the subsequent year’s rider for any over or under collection while the then-current rider is in effect. IfThe PUCO approved the settlement stipulation is approved by the PUCO, the actual amountson August 31, 2005. The incremental Transmission and Ancillary service revenues expected to be recovered from January through June 2006 are approximately $61.2 million. This amount includes the January 1,recovery of the 2005 deferred MISO expenses as described below. In May 2006, riderthe Companies will be submittedfile a modification to the PUCO on or before November 1, 2005.rider to determine revenues from July 2006 through June 2007.

19

The second application seekssought authority to defer costs associated with transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the PUCO granted the accounting authority for the Ohio Companies to defer incremental transmission and ancillary service-related charges incurred as a participant in the MISO, but only for those costs incurred during the period December 30, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Deferral of allPermission to defer costs incurred prior to December 31,30, 2004 was denied. The PUCO also authorized the Ohio Companies to accrue carrying charges on the deferred balances. An application filed with the PUCO to recover these deferred charges over a five-year period through the rider, beginning in 2006, is pending.was approved in the PUCO order issued on August 31, 2005 approving the stipulation referred to above. The OCC, OPAE and the Ohio Companies each filed applications for rehearing. The Ohio Companies sought authority to defer the transmission and ancillary service relatedservice-related costs incurred during the period October 1, 2003 through December 29, 2004, while both OCC and OPAE sought to have the PUCO deny deferral of all costs. On July 6, 2005, the PUCO denied the Ohio CompaniesCompanies' and OCC’s applications and, at the request of the Ohio Companies, struck as untimely OPAE’s application. The Ohio Companies and the OCC have sixty days from that date to filefiled a notice of appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Court on August 31, 2005. On September 30, 2005, in accordance with appellate procedure, the PUCO filed with the Ohio Supreme Court the record in this case. The Companies' brief will be due thirty days after the OCC files its brief, which, absent any time extensions, must be filed no later than November 9, 2005.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a request with the PPUC for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $8 million per month.

Various parties The OCA, OSBA, OTS, MEIUG, PICA, Allegheny Electric Cooperative and Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association have all intervened in each of the cases above,case. To date no hearing schedule has been established, and the Companies have notneither company has yet implemented deferral accounting for these costs.

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville, Ohio. Under the FERC's original decision, CEI would have been responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets began in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. On April 15, 2005, the FERC issued an order on rehearing that "carves out" these contracts from the MISO Day 2 market, which became effecitve April 1, 2005. While the order on rehearing is favorable to CEI, the impact of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service and MISO's ability to administer the contracts. Accordingly, the impact of this decision cannot be determined at this time.

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made three filings pursuant to a settlement agreement previously approved by the FERC. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec were parties to that proceeding and joined in two of the filings. In the first filing, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing rate design within the PJM RTO. In the second filing, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Interventions and protests were filed on February 22, 2005. In the third filing, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Pepco Holdings, Inc. requested a formula rate for transmission service provided within their respective zones. On May 31, 2005, the FERC issued an order on these cases. First, it set for hearing the existing rate design and indicated that it will issue a final order within six months. Second, the FERC approved the proposed Schedule 12 rate harmonization. Third, the FERC accepted the proposed formula rate, subject to referral and hearing procedures. On June 30, 2005, the PJM transmission owners filed a request for rehearing of the May 31, 2005 order. The rate design and formula rate proceedings are currently being litigated before the FERC. The outcome of these cases cannot be predicted.

Regulatory Assets

The EUOC recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and regulatory plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.
18


The Ohio Companies are deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. TheseUnder the RSP, recovery of these regulatory assets (OE - $274$302 million, CEI - $354$402 million, TE - $108$122 million, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005) will be recoveredwould have begun through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect whenonly after the transition costs have been fully recovered. RecoveryUnder the proposed RCP, OE's and TE's recovery of the new regulatory assets willwould begin at that timeJanuary 1, 2006 and amortizationexpected to be completed by December 31, 2008. CEI's new regulatory asset recovery would still begin after full recovery of its transition costs (estimated as of mid-2009) and expected to be completed by December 31, 2010. Amortization of the new regulatory assets for each accounting period will bewould equal tothe amount of the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. OE, TE and CEI expect to recover these deferred customer shopping incentives by August 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and August 31, 2010, respectively.

Regulatory transition costs as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for JCP&L Met-Ed and PenelecMet-Ed are approximately $2.2 billion, $0.7$2.4 billion and $0.1$0.6 billion, respectively. Deferral of above-market costs from power supplied by NUGs to JCP&L are approximately $1.1$1.4 billion and are being recovered through BGS and MTC revenues. Met-Ed and Penelec havehas deferred above-market NUG costs totaling approximately $0.5 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively.$200 million. These costs are being recovered through CTC revenues. The regulatory asset for above-market NUG costsfuture obligations and the corresponding liability are adjusted to fair value at the end of each quarter. Recovery of the remaining regulatory transition costs is expected to continue under the provisions of the various regulatory proceedings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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15 - NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

FSP No. FAS 13-1, "Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during the Construction Period"
       Issued in October 2005, FSP No. FAS 13-1 requires rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases that are incurred during a construction period to be recognized as rental expense. The effective date of the FSP guidance is the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP and its impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006. See Note 2 for an example of FirstEnergy's application of this Issue.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with FirstEnergy's current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for FirstEnergy in the fourth quarter of 2005. FirstEnergy and the Companies are currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on their financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy and the Companies will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
21


On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. FirstEnergy and the Companies are currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on their financial statements.

 
SFAS 153, "Exchanges“Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"29”

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. As a result, FirstEnergy will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006 and doesfor FirstEnergy. This FSP is not expect itexpected to have a material impact on itsFirstEnergy's financial statements.



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SFAS 123(R), "Share-Based Payment"“Share-Based Payment”

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123(R), a revision to SFAS 123, which requires expensing stock options in the financial statements. Important to applying the new standard is understanding how to (1) measure the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and (2) recognize the related compensation cost for those awards. For an award to qualify for equity classification, it must meet certain criteria in SFAS 123(R). An award that does not meet those criteria will be classified as a liability and remeasured each period. SFAS 123(R) retains SFAS 123's requirements on accounting for income tax effects of stock-based compensation. In April 2005, the SEC delayed the effective date of SFAS 123(R) to annual, rather than interim, periods that begin after June 15, 2005. The SEC’s new rule results in a six-month deferral for companies with a fiscal year beginning January 1. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006. The Company will be applyingFirstEnergy expects to adopt modified prospective application, without restatement of prior interim periods. Any potentialPotential cumulative adjustments, if any, have not yet been determined. FirstEnergy uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value options for disclosure purposes only and will continueexpects to do soapply this pricing model upon adoption of SFAS 123(R).

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal"“so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by FirstEnergy beginning January 1, 2006. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1,FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, FirstEnergy continues to evaluateIssue and any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.

FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"FSP 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”
 
Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to nine percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified“qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting“Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergyTaxes", which is currently evaluating this FSP and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.consistent with FirstEnergy's accounting.

22


16 - SEGMENT INFORMATION:

FirstEnergy has three reportable segments: regulated services, power supply management services and facilities (HVAC) services.FSG. The aggregate "Other"“Other” segments do not individually meet the criteria to be considered a reportable segment. FirstEnergy's primary segment is its regulated services segment, whose operations include the regulated sale of electricity and distribution and transmission services by its eight EUOCs in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The power supply management services segment primarily consists of the subsidiaries (FES, FGCO, NGC and FENOC) that sell electricity in deregulated markets and operate the generation facilities of OE, CEI, TE and Penn resulting from the deregulation of the Companies' electric generation business. "Other"“Other” consists of MYR (a construction service company), retail natural gas operations (recently sold - see Note 6) and telecommunications services. The assets and revenues for the other business operations are below the quantifiable threshold for operating segments for separate disclosure as "reportable“reportable segments."

The regulated services segment designs, constructs, operates and maintains FirstEnergy's regulated transmission and distribution systems. Its revenues are primarily derived from electricity delivery and transition cost recovery. Assets of the regulated services segment includeas of September 30, 2005 and 2004, included generating units that arewere leased or whose output was sold to the power supply management services.services segment. The regulated services segment’s internal revenues represent the rental revenues for the generating unit leases.

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The power supply management services segment has responsibility for FirstEnergy’s generation operations. Its net income is primarily derived from all electric generation sales revenues, which consist of generation services to regulated franchise customers who have not chosen an alternative generation supplier, retail sales in deregulated markets and all domestic unregulated electricity sales in the retail and wholesale markets, less the related costs of electricity generation and sourcing of commodity requirements. Its net income also reflects the expense of the intersegment generating unit leases and power sales agreements discussed above and property taxes related to those generating units.

Segment reporting for interim periods in 2004 washave been reclassified to conform with the current year business segment organization and operations that were reported in the 2004 Form 10-K, emphasizing FirstEnergy's regulated electric businesses and power supply management operations and the reclassification of discontinued operations (see Note 6). FSG is being disclosed as a reporting segment due to theits subsidiaries qualifying as held for sale (see Note 6 for discussion of the divestiture of three of itsthose subsidiaries in 2005). Interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses are included in "Reconciling Items."





2123



Segment Financial Information
             
              
    
Power
         
    
Supply
         
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Facilities
   
Reconciling
   
  
Services
 
Services
 
Services
 
Other
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
  
(In millions)
 
Three Months Ended:
             
              
June 30, 2005
             
External revenues $1,351 $1,379 $56 $137 $6 $2,929 
Internal revenues  80  -  -  -  (80) - 
Total revenues  1,431  1,379  56  137  (74) 2,929 
Depreciation and amortization  322  7  -  -  6  335 
Net interest charges  99  8  1  2  51  161 
Income taxes  186  7  3  4  41  241 
Income before discontinued operations  267  11  (3) 6  (102) 179 
Discontinued operations  -  -  -  (1) -  (1)
Net income  267  11  (3) 5  (102) 178 
Total assets  28,454  1,601  78  512  566  31,211 
Total goodwill  5,946  24  -  63  -  6,033 
Property additions  158  66  -  2  7  233 
                    
June 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $1,278 $1,550 $50 $119 $(5)$2,992 
Internal revenues  80  -  -  -  (80) - 
Total revenues  1,358  1,550  50  119  (85) 2,992 
Depreciation and amortization  330  9  -  -  10  349 
Net interest charges  113  10  -  1  56  180 
Income taxes  171  26  -  (22) 2  177 
Income before discontinued operations  234  37  -  36  (105) 202 
Discontinued operations  -  -  1  1  -  2 
Net income  234  37  1  37  (105) 204 
Total assets  29,101  1,475  174  604  656  32,010 
Total goodwill  5,965  24  37  75  -  6,101 
Property additions  129  58  1  1  7  196 
                    
                    
Six Months Ended:
                   
                    
June 30, 2005
                   
External revenues $2,690 $2,673 $102 $247 $18 $5,730 
Internal revenues  158  -  -  -  (158) - 
Total revenues  2,848  2,673  102  247  (140) 5,730 
Depreciation and amortization  698  17  -  1  13  729 
Net interest charges  197  18  1  3  113  332 
Income taxes  341  (17) 2  11  26  363 
Income before discontinued operations  490  (25) (5) 11  (151) 320 
Discontinued operations  -  -  13  5  -  18 
Net income  490  (25) 8  16  (151) 338 
Total assets  28,454  1,601  78  512  566  31,211 
Total goodwill  5,946  24  -  63  -  6,033 
Property additions  299  147  1  4  11  462 
                    
June 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $2,568 $3,072 $95 $234 $6 $5,975 
Internal revenues  159  -  -  -  (159) - 
Total revenues  2,727  3,072  95  234  (153) 5,975 
Depreciation and amortization  722  17  1  -  20  760 
Net interest charges  219  21  -  2  109  351 
Income taxes  316  25  (1) (18) (30) 292 
Income before discontinued operations  446  36  (2) 41  (147) 374 
Discontinued operations  -  -  2  2  -  4 
Net income  446  36  -  43  (147) 378 
Total assets  29,101  1,475  174  604  656  32,010 
Total goodwill  5,965  24  37  75  -  6,101 
Property additions  220  102  2  -  11  335 
                    
Reconciling adjustments to segment operating results from internal management reporting to consolidated external financial reporting primarily consist of
interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses, fuel marketing revenues, which are reflected as reductions   
to expenses for internal management reporting purposes, the impact from the phase-out of the State of Ohio income tax and elimination of intersegment transactions.     
                    





Segment Financial Information
             
              
    
Power
         
    
Supply
         
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Facilities
   
Reconciling
   
  
Services
 
Services
 
Services
 
Other
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
  
(In millions)
 
Three Months Ended:
             
              
September 30, 2005
             
External revenues $1,676 $1,712 $59 $138 $2 $3,587 
Internal revenues  79  -  -  -  (79) - 
Total revenues  1,755  1,712  59  138  (77) 3,587 
Depreciation and amortization  377  9  -  1  6  393 
Net interest charges  88  11  -  2  57  158 
Income taxes  254  7  -  4  (28) 237 
Income before discontinued operations  366  10  (2) 6  (49) 331 
Discontinued operations  -  -  -  1  -  1 
Net income (loss)  366  10  (2) 7  (49) 332 
Total assets  28,385  1,741  82  522  644  31,374 
Total goodwill  5,938  24  -  62  -  6,024 
Property additions  207  79  -  1  7  294 
                    
September 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $1,481 $1,756 $61 $90 $(3)$3,385 
Internal revenues  80  -  -  -  (80) - 
Total revenues  1,561  1,756  61  90  (83) 3,385 
Depreciation and amortization  374  9  -  -  9  392 
Net interest charges  82  9  -  -  60  151 
Income taxes  226  30  -  (1) (41) 214 
Income before discontinued operations  315  44  -  (2) (61) 296 
Discontinued operations  -  -  1  2  -  3 
Net income (loss)  315  44  1  -  (61) 299 
Total assets  28,416  1,467  182  596  564  31,225 
Total goodwill  5,965  24  37  75  -  6,101 
Property additions  157  46  -  1  7  211 
                    
Nine Months Ended:
             
              
September 30, 2005
             
External revenues $4,366 $4,346 $161 $385 $19 $9,277 
Internal revenues  237  -  -  -  (237) - 
Total revenues  4,603  4,346  161  385  (218) 9,277 
Depreciation and amortization  1,076  26  -  2  19  1,123 
Net interest charges  285  29  1  4  170  489 
Income taxes  595  (10) 3  13  (2) 599 
Income before discontinued operations  856  (15) (6) 18  (201) 652 
Discontinued operations  -  -  13  5  -  18 
Net income (loss)  856  (15) 7  23  (201) 670 
Total assets  28,385  1,741  82  522  644  31,374 
Total goodwill  5,938  24  -  62  -  6,024 
Property additions  506  226  1  5  18  756 
                    
September 30, 2004
                   
External revenues $4,049 $4,828 $156 $324 $4 $9,361 
Internal revenues  239  -  -  -  (239) - 
Total revenues  4,288  4,828  156  324  (235) 9,361 
Depreciation and amortization  1,098  26  1  -  28  1,153 
Net interest charges  301  30  -  2  169  502 
Income taxes  541  55  (1) (19) (70) 506 
Income before discontinued operations  761  79  (1) 39  (207) 671 
Discontinued operations  -  -  3  3  -  6 
Net income (loss)  761  79  2  42  (207) 677 
Total assets  28,416  1,467  182  596  564  31,225 
Total goodwill  5,965  24  37  75  -  6,101 
Property additions  377  149  2  1  17  546 
                    
Reconciling adjustments to segment operating results from internal management reporting to consolidated external financial reporting primarily 
consist of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses, fuel marketing revenues, which are 
reflected as reductions to expenses for internal management reporting purposes, and elimination of intersegment transactions.  

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17 - FIRSTENERGY INTRA-SYSTEM GENERATION ASSET TRANSFERS
 
On May 13, 2005, Penn, and on May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE,the Ohio Companies entered into certain agreements described below (Agreements) implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When concluded,fully completed, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies and Penn in FirstEnergy’s nuclear fossil and hydroelectricnon-nuclear plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include leasehold interests of CEI, TE and OE in certain of the plants that are currently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

On October 24, 2005, the Ohio Companies and Penn completed the intra-system transfer of non-nuclear generation assets to FGCO. Prior to the transfer, FGCO, as lessee under a Master Facility Lease with the Ohio Companies and Penn, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets that it now owns. The asset transfers were consummated pursuant to the May 13, and May 18, 2005 agreements and FGCO's purchase option under the Master Facility Lease.

As contemplated by the agreements entered into in May 2005, the Ohio Companies and Penn intend to transfer their respective interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through, in the case of OE and Penn, a spin-off by way of dividend and, in the case of CEI and TE, a sale at net book value. FENOC currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the nuclear asset transfers in the fourth quarter of 2005, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection withpursuant to the Ohio Companies’ and Penn’s restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO and the PPUC, respectively, under applicable Ohio and Pennsylvania electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leases the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

As contemplated byThe following table provides the Agreements,value of assets pending sale along with the Ohio Companies and Penn intend to transfer their respective interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through, in the caserelated liabilities as of OE and Penn, a spin-off by way of dividend and, in the case of CEI and TE, a sale at net book value. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred by the Ohio Companies and Penn at the values approved in the Ohio Transition Case.September 30, 2005:

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Agreements is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the various asset transfers in the second half of 2005.
  
OE
 
Penn
 
CEI
 
TE
 
          
 
(In millions)
 
Assets Pending Sale
         
          
Property, plant and equipment $1,598 $440 $1,305 $687 
Other property and investments  363  147  433  276 
Current assets  93  38  73  42 
Deferred charges  (60) 2  -  - 
Total $1,994 $627 $1,811 $1,005 
              
Liabilities Related to Assets
             
Pending Sale
             
              
Long-term debt $238 $53 $
-
 $
-
 
Current liabilities  40  31  434  253 
Noncurrent liabilities  280  226  362  202 
Total $558 $310 $796 $455 
              
Net Assets Pending Sale
 $1,436 $317 $1,015 $550 
              





2325



FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
REVENUES:
         
Electric utilities  $2,329,795 $2,170,570 $4,638,311 $4,347,603 
Unregulated businesses (Note 2)   599,483  821,592  1,091,686  1,627,462 
 Total revenues  2,929,278  2,992,162  5,729,997  5,975,065 
              
EXPENSES:
             
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2)   932,596  1,095,135  1,827,928  2,229,461 
Other operating expenses   912,592  832,398  1,805,587  1,631,742 
Provision for depreciation   149,025  146,155  291,657  291,965 
Amortization of regulatory assets   306,572  270,986  617,413  581,188 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (120,162) (68,315) (179,669) (112,720)
General taxes   167,865  157,732  353,044  336,722 
 Total expenses  2,348,488  2,434,091  4,715,960  4,958,358 
              
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES
  580,790  558,071  1,014,037  1,016,707 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest expense   161,714  179,542  326,358  352,048 
Capitalized interest   (4,697) (5,280) (4,952) (11,750)
Subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividends   3,733  5,389  10,286  10,670 
 Net interest charges  160,750  179,651  331,692  350,968 
              
INCOME TAXES
  241,275  176,560  362,550  291,530 
              
INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
  178,765  201,860  319,795  374,209 
              
Discontinued operations (net of income taxes (benefit) of             
$(1,282,000) and $993,000 in the three months ended              
June 30, and $(9,051,000) and $2,137,000 in the six               
months ended June 30, of 2005 and 2004, respectively)               
(Note 6)   (773) 2,185  17,923  3,835 
              
NET INCOME
 $177,992 $204,045 $337,718 $378,044 
              
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
             
Earnings before discontinued operations   $0.54 $0.61 $0.98 $1.15 
Discontinued operations (Note 6)   -  0.01  0.05  0.01 
Net earnings per basic share  $0.54 $0.62 $1.03 $1.16 
              
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF BASIC SHARES
             
OUTSTANDING 
  328,063  327,284  327,986  327,171 
              
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
             
Earnings before discontinued operations   $0.54 $0.61 $0.97 $1.14 
Discontinued operations (Note 6)   -  0.01  0.05  0.01 
Net earnings per diluted share  $0.54 $0.62 $1.02 $1.15 
              
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED SHARES
             
OUTSTANDING 
  329,879  329,103  329,679  329,061 
              
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
 $0.4125 $0.375 $0.825 $0.75 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these statements. 
              
24


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
NET INCOME
 $177,992 $204,045 $337,718 $378,044 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME:
             
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative hedges   (6,023) 19,244  1,300  20,609 
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities   (16,137) (19,122) (24,123) (2,193)
 Other comprehensive (loss) income  (22,160) 122  (22,823) 18,416 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other               
 comprehensive income  5,778  (314) 5,907  (9,785)
 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax  (16,382) (192) (16,916) 8,631 
              
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $161,610 $203,853 $320,802 $386,675 
              
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these
statements.             
25


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
CURRENT ASSETS:
     
Cash and cash equivalents $49,748 $52,941 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $35,174,000 and       
$34,476,000, respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   1,281,688  979,242 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $27,276,000 and       
$26,070,000, respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   162,864  377,195 
Materials and supplies, at average cost -       
Owned  393,999  363,547 
Under consignment  114,179  94,226 
Prepayments and other  301,557  145,196 
   2,304,035  2,012,347 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
       
In service  22,654,302  22,213,218 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  9,576,245  9,413,730 
   13,078,057  12,799,488 
Construction work in progress  574,178  678,868 
   13,652,235  13,478,356 
INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  1,635,315  1,582,588 
Investments in lease obligation bonds  905,754  951,352 
Other  772,999  740,026 
   3,314,068  3,273,966 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Regulatory assets  5,178,218  5,532,087 
Goodwill  6,032,539  6,050,277 
Other  730,148  720,911 
   11,940,905  12,303,275 
  $31,211,243 $31,067,944 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt $943,740 $940,944 
Short-term borrowings  554,824  170,489 
Accounts payable  696,310  610,589 
Accrued taxes  684,259  657,219 
Other  874,839  929,194 
   3,753,972  3,308,435 
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholders’ equity -       
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 375,000,000 shares -       
329,836,276 shares outstanding   32,984  32,984 
Other paid-in capital  7,047,469  7,055,676 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (330,028) (313,112)
Retained earnings  1,924,097  1,856,863 
Unallocated employee stock ownership plan common stock -      
1,830,883 and 2,032,800 shares, respectively   (34,126) (43,117)
 Total common stockholders' equity  8,640,396  8,589,294 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiaries  213,719  335,123 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  9,568,954  10,013,349 
   18,423,069  18,937,766 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  2,411,166  2,324,097 
Asset retirement obligations  1,112,940  1,077,557 
Power purchase contract loss liability  1,856,482  2,001,006 
Retirement benefits  1,287,345  1,238,973 
Lease market valuation liability  893,800  936,200 
Other  1,472,469  1,243,910 
   9,034,202  8,821,743 
 COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)       
  $31,211,243 $31,067,944 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these     
balance sheets.       
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
REVENUES:
         
Electric utilities  $2,935,547 $2,526,971 $7,573,858 $6,874,574 
Unregulated businesses (Note 2)   651,240  858,497  1,703,281  2,485,959 
 Total revenues  3,586,787  3,385,468  9,277,139  9,360,533 
              
EXPENSES:
             
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2)   1,287,225  1,285,355  3,115,153  3,514,816 
Other operating expenses   992,436  868,440  2,758,378  2,500,182 
Provision for depreciation   152,786  147,052  444,443  439,017 
Amortization of regulatory assets   364,337  324,300  981,750  905,488 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (123,827) (78,767) (303,496) (191,487)
General taxes   187,562  177,452  540,606  514,174 
 Total expenses  2,860,519  2,723,832  7,536,834  7,682,190 
              
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES
  726,268  661,636  1,740,305  1,678,343 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest expense   162,104  152,348  488,462  504,396 
Capitalized interest   (7,005) (6,536) (11,957) (18,286)
Subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividends   2,626  5,354  12,912  16,024 
 Net interest charges  157,725  151,166  489,417  502,134 
              
INCOME TAXES
  236,711  214,345  599,261  505,875 
              
INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
  331,832  296,125  651,627  670,334 
              
Discontinued operations (net of income taxes (benefit) of             
$367,000 and $1,625,000 in the three months ended              
September 30, and ($8,684,000) and $3,762,000 in the nine               
months ended September 30, of 2005 and 2004, respectively)               
(Note 6)   528  2,497  18,451  6,332 
              
NET INCOME
 $332,360 $298,622 $670,078 $676,666 
              
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
             
Earnings before discontinued operations   $1.01 $0.90 $1.99 $2.05 
Discontinued operations (Note 6)   -  0.01  0.05  0.02 
Net earnings per basic share  $1.01 $0.91 $2.04 $2.07 
              
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF BASIC SHARES
             
OUTSTANDING 
  328,119  327,499  328,030  327,280 
              
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
             
Earnings before discontinued operations   $1.01 $0.90 $1.98 $2.04 
Discontinued operations (Note 6)   -  0.01  0.05  0.02 
Net earnings per diluted share  $1.01 $0.91 $2.03 $2.06 
              
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED SHARES
             
OUTSTANDING 
  330,193  329,099  329,926  328,850 
              
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
 $0.43 $0.375 $1.255 $1.125 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these statements.  
              
 
 
 
26

 

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $177,992 $204,045 $337,718 $378,044 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation  149,025  146,155  291,657  291,965 
Amortization of regulatory assets  306,572  270,986  617,413  581,188 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (120,162) (68,315) (179,669) (112,720)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  18,930  23,132  37,578  45,006 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (10,054) (4,818) (15,505) (9,541)
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (82,990) (60,974) (192,223) (144,881)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  76,041  (100,056) 61,885  (94,133)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  (65,446) (64,287) (101,109) (80,584)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  32,269  39,864  48,372  64,500 
Accrued compensation, net  4,447  17,935  (37,275) 22,322 
Commodity derivative transactions, net  13,921  (23,992) 14,108  (54,779)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations (Note 6)  773  (2,185) (17,923) (3,835)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -             
Receivables  (225,972) (101,304) (135,309) 171,442 
Materials and supplies  (59,309) (20,617) (51,852) 963 
Prepayments and other current assets  (53,095) (42,563) (159,217) (89,594)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -             
Accounts payable  42,612  68,376  104,031  (108,642)
Accrued taxes  (1,557) 113,874  39,155  144,659 
Accrued interest  (112,388) (93,341) (3,787) (7,063)
Prepayment for electric service - education programs  241,685  -  241,685  - 
Other  29,032  29,645  31,383  (14,906)
Net cash provided from operating activities  362,326  331,560  931,116  979,411 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt  245,350  303,162  245,350  884,720 
Short-term borrowings, net  245,803  -  385,614  - 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock  (41,750) -  (139,650) - 
Long-term debt  (452,860) (721,023) (688,748) (989,943)
Short-term borrowings, net  -  (59,563) -  (447,104)
Net controlled disbursement activity  29,461  25,385  (476) (17,271)
Common stock dividend payments  (135,178) (121,321) (270,484) (243,786)
Net cash used for financing activities  (109,174) (573,360) (468,394) (813,384)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (232,791) (196,094) (461,675) (334,500)
Proceeds from asset sales  7,483  200,008  61,207  211,447 
Nonutility generation trust contributions  -  -  -  (50,614)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (25,372) (25,372) (50,742) (50,742)
Cash investments  8,217  6,738  35,121  26,956 
Other  (42,132) 75,789  (49,826) 16,989 
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (284,595) 61,069  (465,915) (180,464)
              
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (31,443) (180,731) (3,193) (14,437)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  81,191  280,269  52,941  113,975 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $49,748 $99,538 $49,748 $99,538 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these 
statements.             
              
              
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
NET INCOME
 $332,360 $298,622 $670,078 $676,666 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges   17,723  5,927  19,023  26,536 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities   (13,093) 8,715  (37,216) 5,265 
 Other comprehensive income (loss)  4,630  14,642  (18,193) 31,801 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other               
 comprehensive income  (1,797) 2,498  (7,704) 11,026 
 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax  6,427  12,144  (10,489) 20,775 
              
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $338,787 $310,766 $659,589 $697,441 
              
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these 
statements.             
 
 
27




FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
CURRENT ASSETS:
     
Cash and cash equivalents $139,812 $52,941 
Receivables -      
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $37,429,000 and       
$34,476,000, respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   1,336,969  979,242 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $26,416,000 and       
$26,070,000, respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   198,256  377,195 
Materials and supplies, at average cost -       
Owned  378,937  363,547 
Under consignment  117,265  94,226 
Prepayments and other  235,496  145,196 
   2,406,735  2,012,347 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
       
In service  22,777,299  22,213,218 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  9,688,122  9,413,730 
   13,089,177  12,799,488 
Construction work in progress  684,042  678,868 
   13,773,219  13,478,356 
INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  1,711,112  1,582,588 
Investments in lease obligation bonds  905,504  951,352 
Other  773,994  740,026 
   3,390,610  3,273,966 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  6,024,376  6,050,277 
Regulatory assets  5,045,838  5,532,087 
Other  733,164  720,911 
   11,803,378  12,303,275 
  $31,373,942 $31,067,944 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt $983,412 $940,944 
Short-term borrowings  246,505  170,489 
Accounts payable  651,941  610,589 
Accrued taxes  852,477  657,219 
Other  1,110,511  929,194 
   3,844,846  3,308,435 
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholders’ equity -       
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 375,000,000 shares -       
329,836,276 shares outstanding   32,984  32,984 
Other paid-in capital  7,033,726  7,055,676 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (323,601) (313,112)
Retained earnings  2,115,434  1,856,863 
Unallocated employee stock ownership plan common stock -      
1,642,223 and 2,032,800 shares, respectively   (30,584) (43,117)
 Total common stockholders' equity  8,827,959  8,589,294 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiaries  183,719  335,123 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  9,418,734  10,013,349 
   18,430,412  18,937,766 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  2,345,281  2,324,097 
Asset retirement obligations  1,130,194  1,077,557 
Power purchase contract loss liability  1,920,358  2,001,006 
Retirement benefits  1,343,461  1,238,973 
Lease market valuation liability  872,650  936,200 
Other  1,486,740  1,243,910 
   9,098,684  8,821,743 
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
        
  $31,373,942 $31,067,944 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these        
balance sheets.       
28


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $332,360 $298,622 $670,078 $676,666 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation  152,786  147,052  444,443  439,017 
Amortization of regulatory assets  364,337  324,300  981,750  905,488 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (123,827) (78,767) (303,496) (191,487)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  25,785  26,776  63,363  71,782 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (8,630) (3,336) (24,135) (12,877)
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (39,215) (118,409) (231,438) (263,290)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (37,851) 37,138  24,034  (56,995)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  29,834  28,402  (71,275) (52,182)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  56,116  42,397  104,488  106,897 
Accrued compensation, net  4,380  25,864  (32,895) 48,186 
Commodity derivative transactions, net  (55,101) 17,336  (40,993) (37,443)
Cash collateral from suppliers  76,978  -  76,978  - 
Income from discontinued operations (Note 6)  (528) (2,497) (18,451) (6,332)
Pension trust contribution  -  (500,000) -  (500,000)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -             
Receivables  (90,673) 16,288  (225,982) 187,730 
Materials and supplies  11,976  6,210  (39,876) 7,173 
Prepayments and other current assets  102,025  46,969  (57,192) (42,625)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -             
Accounts payable  (44,369) (37,049) 59,662  (145,691)
Accrued taxes  167,851  152,009  207,006  296,668 
Accrued interest  95,721  82,221  91,934  75,158 
Prepayment for electric service - education programs  -  -  241,685  - 
Other  (38,799) 15,979  (7,416) 32,370 
Net cash provided from operating activities  981,156  527,505  1,912,272  1,538,213 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt  88,950  86,754  334,300  961,474 
Short-term borrowings, net  -  228,072  77,295  - 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock  (30,000) (1,000) (169,650) (1,000)
Long-term debt  (162,939) (772,451) (851,687) (1,752,394)
Short-term borrowings, net  (308,319) -  -  (219,032)
Net controlled disbursement activity  (27,118) (19,129) (27,594) (36,400)
Common stock dividend payments  (141,023) (123,965) (411,507) (367,751)
Net cash used for financing activities  (580,449) (601,719) (1,048,843) (1,415,103)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (294,443) (211,243) (756,118) (545,743)
Proceeds from asset sales  -  1,662  61,207  213,109 
Proceeds from certificates of deposit  -  277,763  -  277,763 
Nonutility generation trust contributions  -  -  -  (50,614)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (25,370) (25,370) (76,112) (76,112)
Cash investments  (13,950) (7,316) 21,171  19,640 
Other  23,120  7,072  (26,706) (7,236)
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (310,643) 42,568  (776,558) (169,193)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  90,064  (31,646) 86,871  (46,083)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  49,748  99,538  52,941  113,975 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $139,812 $67,892 $139,812 $67,892 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to FirstEnergy Corp. are an integral part of these  
statements.             
              
29



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of FirstEnergy Corp.:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of FirstEnergy Corp. and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholders’ equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(K) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 7 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005



2830



FIRSTENERGY CORP.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


Net income in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was $178$332 million, or basic and diluted earnings of $0.54$1.01 per share of common stock, compared to net income of $204$299 million, or basic and diluted earnings of $0.62$0.91 per share of common stock for the secondthird quarter of 2004. Net income in the first sixnine months of 2005 was $338$670 million, or basic earnings of $1.03$2.04 per share of common stock ($1.022.03 diluted) compared to $378$677 million in the first sixnine months of 2004, or basic earnings of $1.16$2.07 per share of common stock ($1.152.06 diluted).

During The following Non-GAAP Reconciliation displays the second quarter of 2005, JCP&L settled two rate cases,unusual items resulting in a one-time net gainthe difference between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings.

Reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
After-tax
 
Basic
 
After-tax
 
Basic
 
  
Amount
 
Earnings
 
Amount
 
Earnings
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(Millions)
 
Per Share
 
(Millions)
 
Per Share
 
Earnings Before Unusual Items (Non-GAAP) $342 $1.04 $319 $0.97 
Unusual Items:             
Non-core asset sales gains/losses, net  -  -  (16) (0.05)
JCP&L arbitration decision  (10) (0.03) -  - 
Other  -  -  (4) (0.01)
Net Income (GAAP) $332 $1.01 $299 $0.91 
              
Nine Months Ended September 30,
             
Earnings Before Unusual Items (Non-GAAP) $730 $2.22 $753 $2.30 
Unusual Items:             
Non-core asset sales gains/losses, net  22  0.07  (23) (0.07)
Davis-Besse impacts  -  -  (38) (0.12)
EPA settlement  (14) (0.04) -  - 
NRC fine  (3) (0.01) -  - 
JCP&L rate settlement  16  0.05  -  - 
JCP&L arbitration decision  (10) (0.03) -  - 
Ohio tax write-off  (71) (0.22) -  - 
Class-action lawsuit settlement  -  -  (11) (0.03)
Other  
-
  
-
  (4) (0.01)
Net Income (GAAP) $670 $2.04 $677 $2.07 
              

The Non-GAAP measure above, earnings before unusual items, is not calculated in accordance with GAAP because it excludes the impact of $0.05 per share"unusual items." Unusual items reflect the impact on earnings of common stock for the quarter. Also, due to a tax law change in the State of Ohio, FirstEnergy wrote-off $72 million of net deferred tax benefitsevents that are not routine or for which management believes the financial impact will disappear or become immaterial within a near-term finite period. By removing the earnings effect of such issues that have been resolved or are expected to be realized duringresolved over the near term, management and investors can better measure FirstEnergy’s business and earnings potential. In particular, the non-core asset sales item refers to a five-year phase-out periodfinite set of energy-related assets that have been previously disclosed as held for Ohio income taxes. This write-off reduced second-quartersale, a substantial portion of which has already been sold. In addition, as Davis-Besse restarted in 2004, further impacts from its extended outage are not expected. Similarly, further litigation settlements similar to the class action settlements in 2004 are not reasonably expected over the near term. Furthermore, FirstEnergy believes presenting normalized earnings per share by $0.22.

Duringcalculated in this manner provides useful information to investors in evaluating the second quarterongoing results of 2005, bothits businesses, over the Beaver Valley Unit 2longer term and Perry stations conducted nuclear refueling outages. Perry’s outage (including an unplanned extension) began on February 22, 2005 and continued intoassists investors in comparing FirstEnergy’s operating performance to the second quarter, ending on May 6, 2005. The Beaver Valley outage began on April 4, 2005 and ended on April 28, 2005.operating performance of others in the energy sector.

On April 21,October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter of 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

31


On September 20, 2005, FirstEnergy raised its quarterly dividend to $0.43 per share of outstanding common stock - 4.2% higher than the previous quarterly rate of $0.4125 per share. This action represents the second dividend payment increase this year. The dividend payment was last increased by 10% for the dividend paid on March 1, 2005. The new dividend is payable December 1, 2005 to shareholders of record on November 7, 2005. The Company’s dividend policy, established on November 30, 2004, targets sustainable annual dividend increases after 2005, generally reflecting an annual growth rate of 4% to 5%, and an earnings payout ratio generally within the range of 50% to 60%. The Board of Directors will continue to review the Company's dividend policy regularly. The amount and timing of all dividend payments are subject to the Board's consideration of business conditions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors.

On September 9, 2005, FirstEnergy filed on behalf of the Ohio Companies an RCP that, if approved by the PUCO, would essentially maintain current electricity prices through 2008. The RCP was developed as a result of concerns about potential impacts to customer rates due to rising fuel prices and other factors. A stipulated agreement in support of the plan has been signed by the cities of Cleveland and Akron, along with the Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and the Ohio Energy Group. Also, the Mayor of the City of Parma has agreed to support the stipulation. The Parma City Council passed a resolution in support of the RCP plan on September 19, 2005.
During the third quarter of 2005, several FirstEnergy operating companies reached employment agreements with various local unions. On July 13, 2005, UWUA 118 and 126 - representing 445 workers - ratified an agreement with OE. On August 17, 2005, UWUA Local 180 - representing 170 workers - ratified an agreement with Penelec. On August 25, 2005, IBEW Local 1194 - representing 240 employees - ratified an agreement with OE. The collective bargaining agreement with IBEW Local 29 representing approximately 450 workers at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station expired pursuant to its terms on September 30, 2005. The parties are currently negotiating a new agreement.

On September 14, 2005, FENOC announced that it received a notice of violationwould pay the $5.45 million fine proposed in April 2005 by the NRC and a proposed $5.45 million fine related to the reactor head degradationissue at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The corrosion onFirstEnergy accrued $2.0 million of the plant’s reactor head was discovered duringfine in 2004 and the remaining amount in the first quarter of 2005. In a comprehensive inspection and was reportedletter to the NRC, in March 2002. Subsequently,the Company noted that paying the fine brings regulatory closure to this issue and enables it to continue focusing on safe, reliable plant operations. The letter also reiterated that FENOC investigatedacknowledges full responsibility for the causes of the problem, replacedsignificant performance deficiencies that led to the reactor head issue, and made numerous staff changes, as well as enhancements to plant programs and equipment. Davis-Besse has operated safely and reliably after successfully restarting in March 2004. The NRC said in a letter to FENOC that this action does not reflect the current performance of Davis-Besse and no further civil enforcement action is expected, absent any new information from the Department of Justice. On May 20, 2005, FENOC announced that it had been notified by the NRC has indicated that the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station would return tocited violations regarding the standard NRC reactor oversight process, effective July 1, 2005. The NRC’s inspections of Davis-Besse are augmented to reflect commitments in a confirmatory order associated with the startup of the facility, and a previous NRC White Finding related to the performance of the emergency sirens.past plant operations do not represent current performance.

FirstEnergy announced on May 18,September 22, 2005, that it had received approval fromFGCO plans to install an Electro-Catalytic Oxidation (ECO) system on the PUCO to defer215-megawatt Unit 4 of its Bay Shore Plant in Oregon, Ohio. ECO is a multipollutant-control technology for future recovery charges from MISO incurredcoal-based electric utility plants that was developed by FirstEnergy’s Ohio Companies. The deferred charges for 2005 are related to MISO’s administrative operation of FirstEnergy’s transmission systems and the daily and hourly spotPowerspan Corp., a clean energy market. A request filed with the PUCO to recover these charges overtechnology company in which FirstEnergy has a five-year period, beginning in 2006, is pending.minority ownership interest.

FirstEnergy’s JCP&L subsidiary announced on May 25, 2005, thatECO is currently being demonstrated at FGCO's R. E. Burger Plant, and has proven effective in reducing NOx, SO2, mercury, acid gases, and fine particulates (soot). The ECO process also produces a highly marketable ammonium sulfate fertilizer co-product, currently being sold to the NJBPU approved a stipulated agreement with the NJPBU staff and the Division of Ratepayer Advocate resolving JCP&L’s Phase II rate case filing which resulted in the one-time gain discussed above, and a second stipulated settlement agreement with the NJBPU staff resolving the motion for reconsideration of the 2003 decision in its Phase I rate proceeding.fertilizer market.

Together,FGCO expects design engineering of the two stipulated settlements resulted in a net average increase, effective June 1, 2005, of approximately $1.14 per monthBay Shore ECO system to commence in the delivery portionfirst quarter of 2006, and estimates the overall cost of the bill for residential customers using 500 KWH of electricity. The increase, averaging 2.4% per customer, is JCP&L’s first since 1993, and follows an 11% decrease implemented between 1999 and 2003 under New Jersey’s Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act. The stipulated settlements, which are expectedsystem, including a fertilizer processing plant, to increase JCP&L’s annual revenues bybe approximately $51 million, include a commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability.

On May 27, 2005, FirstEnergy’s Ohio Companies filed with the PUCO a request to establish a generation charge adjustment factor, as permitted under the Ohio Companies’ previously approved Rate Stabilization Plan. If approved, the rider would average $0.002554 per KWH, effective January 1, 2006, for all classes of customers. The filing reflects projected increases in fuel and related costs in 2006 compared with 2002 costs.$100 million.

FIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESS

FirstEnergy is a registered public utility holding company headquartered in Akron, Ohio that operates primarily through two core business segments.



29



·
Regulated Services transmits, distributes and sells electric powerelectricity through eight electric utility operating companies that collectively comprise the nation’s fifth largest investor-owned electric system, serving 4.44.5 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This business segment primarily derives its revenue from the delivery of electricity, including transition cost recovery.
32


·
Power Supply Management Services supplies the electric power needs of end-use customers (principally in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey) through retail and wholesale arrangements, including sales to meet the PLR requirements of FirstEnergy’s Ohio Companies and Penn. This business segment operates theFirstEnergy's generating facilities of the Ohio Companies and Penn and purchases from the wholesale market to meet its sales obligations. Pursuant to an asset transfer on October 24, 2005, it now owns as well as operates FirstEnergy's fossil and hydroelectric generation facilities previously owned by the EUOC. It leases fossil facilities from the EUOC andalso purchases the entire output of the EUOC nuclear plants.plants currently owned or leased by the EUOC. This business segment principally derives its revenues from electric generation sales.

Other operating segments provide a wide range of services, including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, electrical and facility control systems, high-efficiency electrotechnologies and telecommunication services. FirstEnergy continues to divest theseis in the process of divesting non-core businesses. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements. The assets and revenues for the other business operations are below the quantifiable threshold for operating segments for separate disclosure as "reportable segments"“reportable segments”.

FIRSTENERGY INTRA-SYSTEM GENERATION ASSET TRANSFERS
 
On May 13, 2005, Penn, and on May 18, 2005 OE, CEI and TE,the Ohio Companies, entered into certain agreements described below (Agreements) implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When concluded,fully completed, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies and Penn in FirstEnergy’s nuclear fossil and hydroelectricnon-nuclear plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include leasehold interests of CEI, TE and OE in certain of the plants that are currently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

On October 24, 2005, the Ohio Companies and Penn completed the intra-system transfer of non-nuclear generation assets to FGCO. Prior to the transfer, FGCO, as lessee under a Master Facility Lease with the Ohio Companies and Penn, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets that it now owns. The asset transfers were consummated pursuant to the May 13 and May 18, 2005 agreements and FGCO's purchase option under the Master Facility Lease.

As contemplated by the agreements entered into in May 2005, the Ohio Companies and Penn intend to transfer their respective interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through, in the case of OE and Penn, a spin-off by way of dividend and, in the case of CEI and TE, a sale at net book value. FENOC currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the nuclear asset transfers in the fourth quarter of 2005, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection withpursuant to the Ohio Companies’ and Penn’s restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO and the PPUC, respectively, under applicable Ohio and Pennsylvania electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leases the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

As contemplatedSee Note 17 for disclosure of the assets held for sale by the Agreements, the Ohio Companies and Penn intend to transfer their respective interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through, in the caseas of OE and Penn, a spin-off by way of a dividend and, in the case of CEI and TE, a sale at net book value. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred by the Ohio Companies at the values approved in the Ohio transition case.September 30, 2005.

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Agreements is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the various asset transfers in the second half of 2005.
33


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The financial results discussed below include revenues and expenses from transactions among ourFirstEnergy's business segments. A reconciliation of segment financial results is provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. The FSG business segment is included in "Other“Other and Reconciling Adjustments"Adjustments” in this discussion due to its immaterial impact on current period financial results, but is presented separately in segment information provided in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. Net income (loss) by major business segment wasis as follows:


    
Three Months Ended
  
Nine Months Ended 
  
    
September 30,
 
Increase
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
    
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
    
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Net Income (Loss)
               
By Business Segment:
               
Regulated Services    $366 $315 $51 $856 $761 $95 
Power supply management services     10  44  (34) (15 79  (94)
Other and reconciling adjustments*     (44) (60) 16  (171) (163) (8
Total    $332 $299 $33 $670 $677 $(7
                       
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                      
Income before discontinued operations    $1.01 $0.90 $0.11 $1.99 $2.05 $(0.06)
Discontinued operations     --  0.01  (0.01) 0.05  0.02  0.03 
Net earnings per basic share    $1.01 $0.91 $0.10 $2.04 $2.07 $(0.03
                       
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                      
Income before discontinued operations    $1.01 $0.90 $0.11 $1.98 $2.04 $(0.06
Discontinued operations     --  0.01  (0.01) 0.05  0.02  0.03 
Net earnings per diluted share    $1.01 $0.91 $0.10 $2.03 $2.06 $(0.03
                       
* Represents other operating segments and reconciling items including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses. 



30



    
Three Months Ended
  
Six Months Ended 
  
    
June 30,
 
Increase
 
June 30,
 
Increase
 
    
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
    
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Net Income (Loss)
               
By Business Segment:
               
Regulated Services    $267 $234 $33 $490 $446 $44 
Power supply management services     11  37  (26) (25) 36  (61)
Other and reconciling adjustments*     (100) (67) (33 (127) (104) (23
Total    $178 $204 $(26$338 $378 $(40
                       
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                      
Income before discontinued operations     $0.54  $0.61  $ (0.07 $0.98  $1.15  $ (0.17)
Discontinued operations     -  0.01  (0.01) 0.05  0.01  0.04 
Net earnings per basic share     $0.54  $0.62  $ (0.08 $1.03  $1.16  $ (0.13
                       
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                      
Income before discontinued operations     $0.54  $0.61  $ (0.07 $0.97  $1.14  $ (0.17)
Discontinued operations     -  0.01  (0.01) 0.05  0.01  0.04 
Net earnings per diluted share     $0.54  $0.62  $ (0.08 $1.02  $1.15  $ (0.13
                       
* Represents other operating segments and reconciling items including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate
 support services revenues and expenses.  
 


Earnings in the second quarter of 2005 included a net gain resulting from the JCP&L rate settlement of $16 million (or $0.05 per share) and additional income tax expense of $72 million (or $0.22 per share) from the enactment of new Ohio tax legislation. This compares to the second quarter of 2004 which included a loss from the sale of GLEP of approximately $7 million ($0.02 per share) and a litigation settlement loss of $11 million ($0.03 per share). In addition to the second quarter items, netNet income in the first sixregulated services segment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 increased due to additional customer demand. However, net income for the power supply management services segment was lower in both the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same periods in 2004, as a result of 2005 included $22 million ($0.07 per share) of gainshigher costs for fossil fuel, purchased power (excluding 2004 PJM transactions on a gross basis) and nuclear refueling costs which, in aggregate, more than offset the revenue from the disposition of non-core assets, an EPA settlement loss of $14 million ($0.04 per share) and an NRC fine of $3 million ($0.01 per share).increased electric generation sales.

A decrease in wholesale electric revenues and purchased power costs in the second quarter and first six months of 2005 fromperiods compared to the corresponding periods last year primarily resulted from FES recording PJM sales and purchased power transactions on an hourly net position basis beginning in the first quarter of 2005 compared with recording each discrete transaction (on a gross basis) in the same period of 2004.2004 (See Note 2 - Accounting for Wholesale Energy Transactions). This change had no impact on earnings and resulted from the dedication of FirstEnergy’s Beaver Valley Power Station to PJM in January 2005. FirstEnergy believes that a net-hourly-position measure of revenues and purchased power transactions is required as these generation assets are now dedicated in PJM where FirstEnergy has third-party customers. Wholesale electric revenues and purchased power costs in the second quarter ofthree months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 each included $283additional amounts of $264 million from theseand $828 million, respectively, due to recording those transactions recorded on a gross basis — the first six months of 2004 included $564 million from these transactions.basis.

Excluding the effect of recording the wholesale electric revenue transactions in PJM on a gross basis in 2004, total operating revenues in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 increased 14.9% and 8.7%, respectively, reflecting in large part warmer than normal temperatures induring the second quarter of 2005. Net income in the regulated services segment increased due to the additional demand. However, net income for the power supply management services segment was lower in both the second quarter and first six monthssummer of 2005 as a result of higher costs for fossil fuel, purchased power and nuclear refueling costs which, in aggregate, more than offset the revenue from increased electric generation sales. The impact of the new Ohio tax legislation is included with FirstEnergy’s other operating segments and reconciling adjustments.compared to 2004.



3134



Summary of Results of Operations - SecondThird Quarter of 2005 Comparedcompared with the SecondThird Quarter of 2004

Financial results for FirstEnergy and its major business segments in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and 2004 were as follows:


    
Power
     
    
Supply
 
Other and
   
2nd Quarter 2005
 
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Quarterly Financial Results
 
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
  
(In millions)
 
Revenue:         
External         
Electric $1,165 $1,314 $- $2,479 
Other   186  65  199  450 
Internal  80  -  (80) - 
Total Revenues  1,431  1,379  119  2,929 
              
Expenses:             
Fuel and purchased power  -  933  -  933 
Other operating  408  399  106  913 
Provision for depreciation  135  7  6  148 
Amortization of regulatory assets  307  -  -  307 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (120) -  -  (120)
General taxes  149  14  4  167 
Total Expenses  879  1,353  116  2,348 
              
Net interest charges  99  8  54  161 
Income taxes  186  7  48  241 
Income before discontinued operations  267  11  (99) 179 
Discontinued operations  -  -  (1) (1)
Net Income (Loss) $267 $11 $(100)$178 


     
Power
        
Power
     
     
Supply
 
Other and
      
Supply
 
Other and
   
2nd Quarter 2004
   
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
3rd Quarter 2005
 
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Quarterly Financial Results
   
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
  
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
   
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Revenue:                    
External                    
Electric     $1,125 $1,520 $- $2,645  $1,432 $1,684 $-- $3,116 
Other     153  30  164  347   244  28  199  471 
Internal     80  -  (80) -   79  --  (79 -- 
Total Revenues     1,358  1,550  84  2,992   1,755  1,712  120  3,587 
                            
Expenses:                            
Fuel and purchased power    -  1,095  -  1,095   --  1,287  --  1,287 
Other operating    375  355  101  831   511  364  118  993 
Provision for depreciation    127  9  10  146   137  9  7  153 
Amortization of regulatory assets    271  -  -  271   364  --  --  364 
Deferral of new regulatory assets    (68) -  -  (68)  (124) --  --  (124)
General taxes     135  18  5  158   159  24  5  188 
Total Expenses     840  1,477  116  2,433   1,047  1,684  130  2,861 
                            
Net interest charges    113  10  57  180   88  11  59  158 
Income taxes     171  26  (20) 177   254  7  (24 237 
Income before discontinued operations    234  37  (69) 202   366  10  (45 331 
Discontinued operations     -  -  2  2   --  --  1  1 
Net Income (Loss)    $234 $37 $(67)$204  $366 $10 $(44$332 


    
Power
     
    
Supply
 
Other and
   
3rd Quarter 2004
 
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Quarterly Financial Results
 
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
  
(In millions)
 
Revenue:         
External         
Electric $1,309 $1,721 $-- $3,030 
Other   172  35  148  355 
Internal  80  --  (80 -- 
Total Revenues  1,561  1,756  68  3,385 
              
Expenses:             
Fuel and purchased power  --  1,285  --  1,285 
Other operating  414  356  99  869 
Provision for depreciation  129  9  9  147 
Amortization of regulatory assets  324  --  --  324 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (79) --  --  (79)
General taxes  150  23  5  178 
Total Expenses  938  1,673  113  2,724 
              
Net interest charges  82  9  60  151 
Income taxes  226  30  (42 214 
Income before discontinued operations  315  44  (63 296 
Discontinued operations  --  --  3  3 
Net Income (Loss) $315 $44 $(60$299 
3235



Change Between
     
Power
        
Power
     
2nd Quarter 2005 and 2004
     
Supply
 
Other and
   
3rd Quarter 2005 and 2004
   
Supply
 
Other and
   
Quarterly Financial Results
   
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Increase (Decrease)
   
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
  
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments(1)
 
Consolidated
 
   
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Revenue:                    
External                    
Electric     $40 $(206)$- $(166) $123 $(37$-- $86 
Other     33 35 35  103   72 (7 51 116 
Internal     -  -  -  -   (1 --  1  -- 
Total Revenues     73  (171) 35  (63)  194  (44 52  202 
                       
Expenses:                       
Fuel and purchased power    - (162) -  (162)  -- 2 -- 2 
Other operating    33 44 5  82   97 8 19 124 
Provision for depreciation    8 (2) (4) 2   8 -- (2 6 
Amortization of regulatory assets    36 - -  36   40 -- -- 40 
Deferral of new regulatory assets    (52) - -  (52)  (45) --  --  (45)
General taxes     14  (4) (1 9   9  1  --  10 
Total Expenses     39  (124) -  (85)  109  11  17  137 
                       
Net interest charges    (14) (2) (3) (19)  6 2 (1 7 
Income taxes     15  (19) 68  64   28  (23 18  23 
Income before discontinued operations    33 (26) (30 (23  51 (34 18 35 
Discontinued operations     -  -  (3) (3)  --  --  (2 (2
Net Income (Loss)    $33 $(26)$(33$(26 $51 $(34$16 $33 
(1) The impact of the new Ohio tax legislation is included with FirstEnergy’s other operating segments and reconciling adjustments.
(1) The impact of the new Ohio tax legislation is included with FirstEnergy’s other operating segments and reconciling adjustments.


Regulated Services - SecondThird Quarter 2005 Compared with SecondThird Quarter 2004
 
Net income increased $51 million, or 16% to $267$366 million, from $234 million (or 14%) in the secondthird quarter of 2005 withcompared to $315 million in the third quarter of 2004, as a result of increased operating revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses and taxes.customer usage.

Revenues -

The increaseTotal revenues increased by $194 million in total revenues resultedthe third quarter 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, resulting from the following sources:

 
Three Months Ended 
   
Three Months Ended 
  
 
June 30,
 
Increase
  
September 30,
   
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
  
2005
 
2004
 
Increase
 
 
(In millions)
 
(In millions)
              
Distribution services $1,165 $1,125 $40  $1,432 $1,309 $123 
Transmission services  105 65  40   117 81 36 
Lease revenue from affiliates  80 80  -   79 79 -- 
Other  81  88  (7)  127  92  35 
Total Revenues $1,431 $1,358 $73  $1,755 $1,561 $194 

Changes in distribution deliveries by customer class in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the third quarter of 2004 are summarized in the following table:

    
Increase
 
Electric Distribution Deliveries 
   
(Decrease)Increase
 
Residential     9.515.4%
Commercial     2.97.8%
Industrial     (3.85.2)%
Total Distribution Deliveries     2.49.6%
        

36

Increased consumption offset in part by lower composite prices to customers resulted in higher distribution delivery revenue. The following table summarizes major factors contributing to the $40$123 million increase in distribution services revenue in the secondthird quarter of 2005:



33



 
Increase
  
Increase
 
Sources of Change in Distribution Revenues
 
(Decrease)
  
(Decrease)
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
      
Changes in customer usage $52  $135 
Changes in prices:        
Rate changes --        
Ohio shopping incentive
  (11)
Other
  (1)
Ohio shopping credits
  (11)
JCP&L rate settlements
  21 
Billing component reallocations  (22)
Net Increase in Distribution Revenues $40  $123 
 

Distribution revenues benefited from warmer than normalsummer temperatures in the secondthird quarter of 2005, compared to 2004, that increased the air-conditioning load of residential and commercial customers. ReducedWhile industrial demand as a result of a softening in the automotive and steel-related sectorsdeliveries also increased, that impact was more than offset part of the weather-induced increase in load. A reduction inby lower unit prices primarily resultedto that sector. Higher base rates from JCP&L's stipulated rate settlements were more than offset by additional credits provided to customers under the Ohio transition plan - those changesand a reallocation of billing components primarily related to special contracts. Shopping credits do not affect current period earnings due to deferral of the incentives for future recovery from customers.

Transmission revenues increased $40$36 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from the same period last year due in part to an amended power supply agreement with FES in June 2004.increased loads due to warmer weather and higher transmission usage prices. Other revenues decreased $7increased $35 million primarily due in part to a reduction in JCP&L transition bond revenues.higher gains realized on nuclear decommissioning trust investments.

Expenses-

The higherincrease in total revenues discussed above werewas partially offset by the following increases in total expenses:

·HigherOther operating expenses increased by $97 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same
        period in 2004 primarily due to increased transmission expenses of $42 million dueresulting in part to an amended power supply agreement with FES, which alsofrom increased revenue;loads
        and higher transmission system usage charges;

·Increased provision for depreciation of $8 million due tothat resulted from property additions;additions and increased
        leasehold improvement amortization;

·Additional amortization of regulatory assets of $36$40 million, principally due to increased amortization of Ohio transition costs;

 ·Increased
        Higher general taxes of $14$9 million due to additionalresulting from increased EUOC sales which increased the Ohio KWH
        tax and the Pennsylvania gross receipts tax and the absence in 2005 of Pennsylvania property tax refunds recognized in the second quarter of 2004; andtax;

·Increased interest charges of $6 million primarily due to the absence of $11 million in interest rate swap
        savings achieved in the third quarter of 2004; and

·         Higher income taxes of $15$28 million due to increased taxable income.

Partially offsetting these higher costs were two factors:

·Additional deferralthose increases was the effect of additional deferred regulatory assets of $52$45 million, primarily due to the PUCO-approved deferral of MISO administrative costs, JCP&L reliability improvementsshopping incentives and related interest (see Note 14 - Regulatory Matters - Transmission; New Jersey); and

·Lower interest charges of $14 million resulting from debt and preferred stock redemptions and refinancings.interest.

Power Supply Management Services - SecondThird Quarter 2005 Compared with SecondThird Quarter 2004

Net income for this segment decreased $34 million to $11$10 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from $37$44 million in the same period last year. Ayear, due to a decrease in the gross generation margin and higher non-fuel nuclear costs resulted in lower net income.operating costs.



3437


 
Generation Margin -

The gross generation margin in the second quarter of 2005 decreased by $44 million compared to the same period of 2004, as shown in the table below.

  
Three Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
   
Gross Generation Margin
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Electric generation revenue $1,314 $1,520 $(206)
Fuel and purchased power costs  933  1,095  (162)
Gross generation margin $381 $425 $(44)

Excluding the effect of recording PJM sales and purchases of $283 million on a gross basis in 2004, electric generation revenues increased $77 million while fuel and purchased power costs increased $121 million in the second quarter of 2005. The higher fuel and purchased power costs primarily resulted from higher prices which more than offset the benefit of increased sales to the retail and wholesale markets.

Revenues -

Excluding the effect of the change in recording PJM wholesale transactions on a gross basis in 2004 ($264 million), electric generation revenues increased $77$227 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 primarily as a result of a 1.5%5.2% increase in KWH sales due to higher retail customer usage and highera 21% rise in unit prices.prices in the wholesale market. The additionalincrease in retail sales reduced energy available for sale to the wholesale market, resulting in a 0.9%9% reduction in thosewholesale sales (before the PJM adjustment). Overall, revenues to the wholesale market increased due to a 7% rise in prices.

The change in reported segment revenues resulted from the following:

  
Three Months Ended
   
  
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Electric generation sales:       
Retail  $1,254 $1,069 $185 
Wholesale   430  388  42 
Total electric generation sales  1,684  1,457  227 
Transmission  16  20  (4)
Other  12  15  (3
Total  1,712  1,492  220 
PJM gross transactions  --  264  (264)
Total Revenues $1,712 $1,756 $(44)


The following sources:table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to increased sales to retail and wholesale customers.

  
Increase
 
Source of Change in Electric Generation Sales
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Retail:    
Effect of 9.9% increase in customer usage $113 
Change in prices  72 
   185 
Wholesale:    
Effect of 8.7% reduction in customer usage(1)
  (41)
Change in prices  83 
   42 
Net Increase in Electric Generation Sales $227 
  
(1) Decrease of 46.4% including the effect of the PJM revision.
 
38

 

  
Three Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Electric generation sales:       
Retail  $989 $930 $59 
Wholesale   325  307  18 
Total electric generation sales  1,314  1,237  77 
Transmission  15  23  (8)
Other  50  7  43 
Total  1,379  1,267  112 
PJM gross transactions  -  283  (283)
Total Revenues $1,379 $1,550 $(171)
           

Changes in KWH sales are summarized in the following table:

Electric Generation
Increase
(Decrease)
Retail2.3%
Wholesale(0.9)%
Total Electric Generation1.5%*
* Decrease of 15.6% including the effect of the PJM revision.

The other revenues increase in the second quarter of 2005 includes $40 million related to gas commodity operations. These transactions resulted from procuring fuel for gas-fired peaking capacity that was ultimately not required for generation and subsequently sold into the wholesale market. Related gas procurement costs of $38 million are reflected in the other operating costs in the second quarter of 2005.

Expenses -
 
Excluding the effect of the $283$264 million of PJM purchased power costs recorded on a gross basis in 2004, total operating expenses, net interest charges and income taxes increased in aggregate by $138$254 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. Higher fuel and purchased power costs contributed $121$2 million ($162266 million, net of $283$264 million PJM effect) of the increase, resulting from higher fuel costs of $89$121 million and increased purchased power costs of $32$145 million. Factors contributing to the higher costs are summarized in the following table:

35

  
Increase
 
Source of Change in Fuel and Purchased Power
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Fuel:    
Change due to increased unit costs
  $92 
Change due to volume consumed
  29 
   121 
Purchased Power:   
Change due to increased unit costs
  130 
Change due to volume purchased
  (16)
Reduction in costs deferred
  31 
   145 
PJM gross transactions  (264)
Net Increase in Fuel and Purchased Power Costs $2 
     

  
Increase
 
Source of Change in Fuel and Purchased Power
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Fuel:    
Change due to price
  $65 
Change due to volume
  24 
   89 
Purchased Power:   
Change due to price
  64 
Change due to volume
  (9)
Deferred costs
  (23)
   32 
     
Net Increase in Fuel and Purchased Power Costs $121 
     

FirstEnergy’s generation fleet of generating plants established a newan output record of 19.121.7 billion KWH. IncreasedKWH in the third quarter of 2005. As a result, increased coal consumption and the related cost of emission allowance costsallowances combined to increase fossil fuel expense. Higher coal costs resulted from increased market purchases, market adjustment provisions in coal contracts reflecting higher market prices and increased transportation costs. Emission allowance costs increased primarily from higher prices. To a lesser extent, fuel expense increased due to higher costs associated with the increased mix of fossil versus nuclearincrease in generation resulting in large part from the fossil units relative to nuclear refueling outagesgeneration. Fossil generation output increased 16% in the second quarter of 2005 following a year with no scheduled nuclear outages. Fossil generation increased 12% in the secondthird quarter of 2005 while nuclear generation decreasedoutput increased by 16%.

Non-fuel nuclear costs increased $33 million primarily due1%, compared to costs from the Beaver Valley Unit 2 refueling outage (started April 4, 2005) and to a lesser extent from the Perry Unit 1 outage initiatedsame period in the first quarter of 2005 and completed May 6, 2005. There were no nuclear refueling outages in the second quarter of 2004.

Partially offsetting theseOther operating costs increased $8 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. This increase resulted from higher transmission costs due primarily to increased loads and higher transmission system usage charges. The higher costs this year were offset in part by lower non-fuel nuclear costs resulting from expenses incurred late in the following factors:third quarter of 2004 in preparation for the fourth quarter of 2004 Beaver Valley Unit 1 refueling outage.

·Reduced non-fuel fossil generation expense of $7 million due to different maintenance outage schedules;

·Lower transmissionOffsetting higher operating costs of $10 million due in part to the amended power supply agreement that resulted in the regulated services segment assuming certain transmission obligations previously borne by the power supply management services segment; and

·Lowerwere lower income taxes of $19$23 million due to lower taxable income.

Other - SecondThird Quarter 2005 Compared with SecondThird Quarter 2004

FirstEnergy’s financial results from other operating segments and reconciling adjustments, including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses, resulted in a net decreaseincrease of $16 million in FirstEnergy’s net income in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to the same quarter of 2004. The decreaseincrease was primarily due to the absence this year of losses recognized in 2004 on the sale of securities and impairment of several partnership investments.



39


Summary of Results of Operations - Nine Months ended September 30, 2005 compared with the Nine Months ended September 30, 2004

Financial results for FirstEnergy and its major business segments for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
     
Power
     
     
Supply
 
Other and
   
Nine Months ended September 30, 2005
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
  
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
   
(In millions)
 
Revenue:          
  External          
Electric    $3,759 $4,273 $- $8,032 
Other     607  73  565  1,245 
Internal    237  -  (237 - 
Total Revenues    4,603  4,346  328  9,277 
                
Expenses:               
Fuel and purchased power    -  3,115  -  3,115 
Other operating    1,336  1,132  290  2,758 
Provision for depreciation    397  26  21  444 
Amortization of regulatory assets    982  -  -  982 
Deferral of new regulatory assets    (303) -  -  (303)
General taxes    455  69  17  541 
Total Expenses    2,867  4,342  328  7,537 
                
Net interest charges    285  29  175  489 
Income taxes    595  (10 14  599 
Income before discontinued operations    856  (15 (189 652 
Discontinued operations    -  -  18  18 
Net Income (Loss)   $856 $(15$(171$670 
                


     
Power
     
     
Supply
 
Other and
   
Nine Months ended September 30, 2004
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
  
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
   
(In millions)
 
Revenue:          
  External          
Electric    $3,588 $4,742 $-- $8,330 
Other     461  86  484  1,031 
Internal    239  --  (239 -- 
Total Revenues    4,288  4,828  245  9,361 
                
Expenses:               
Fuel and purchased power    --  3,515  --  3,515 
Other operating    1,155  1,058  288  2,501 
Provision for depreciation    384  26  29  439 
Amortization of regulatory assets    905  --  --  905 
Deferral of new regulatory assets    (192) --  --  (192)
General taxes    433  65  16  514 
Total Expenses    2,685  4,664  333  7,682 
                
Net interest charges    301  30  171  502 
Income taxes    541  55  (90 506 
Income before discontinued operations    761  79  (169 671 
Discontinued operations    --  --  6  6 
Net Income (Loss)   $761 $79 $(163$677 
                


40



     
Power
     
Change Between Nine Months ended
    
Supply
 
Other and
   
September 30, 2005 vs. 2004
  
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
  
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments(1)
 
Consolidated
 
 Increase (Decrease)
  
(In millions)
 
Revenue:          
  External          
Electric    $171 $(469$- $(298)
Other     146  (13 81  214 
Internal    (2 -  2  - 
Total Revenues    315  (482 83  (84)
                
Expenses:               
Fuel and purchased power    -  (400 -  (400)
Other operating    181  74  2  257 
Provision for depreciation    13  -  (8 5 
Amortization of regulatory assets    77  -  -  77 
Deferral of new regulatory assets    (111) -  -  (111)
General taxes    22  4  1  27 
Total Expenses    182  (322 (5 (145)
                
Net interest charges    (16 (1 4  (13)
Income taxes    54  (65 104  93 
Income before discontinued operations    95  (94 (20 (19)
Discontinued operations    -  -  12  12 
Net Income (Loss)   $95 $(94$(8$(7
                
(1) The impact of the new Ohio tax legislation is included with FirstEnergy's other operating segments and reconciling adjustments.


Regulated Services - Nine Months ended September 30, 2005 compared with Nine Months ended September 30, 2004
Net income increased $95 million to $856 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, from $761 million in the same period of 2004, due to increased revenues partially offset by higher expenses and taxes.

Revenues -

The increase in total revenues resulted from the following:

  
Nine Months Ended
   
  
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
        
Distribution services $3,759 $3,588 $171 
Transmission services  314  210  104 
Lease revenue from affiliates  237  239  (2)
Other  293  251  42 
Total Revenues $4,603 $4,288 $315 
           


Changes in distribution deliveries by customer class are summarized in the following table:

Electric Distribution Deliveries
Increase
Residential7.9%
Commercial5.2%
Industrial1.8%
Total Distribution Deliveries5.0%

41


Increased customer consumption offset in part by lower prices resulted in higher distribution delivery revenues. The following table summarizes major factors contributing to the $171 million increase in distribution services revenue in the first nine months of 2005:

  
Increase
 
Sources of Change in Distribution Revenues
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
    
Changes in customer usage $210 
Changes in prices:    
Rate changes -     
Ohio shopping credits  (33)
JCP&L rate settlements  28 
   Billing component reallocation  (34)
 Net Increase in Distribution Revenues $171 

Distribution revenues benefited from warmer temperatures in the summer months of 2005 compared to 2004 that increased the air-conditioning load of residential and commercial customers. The effect of higher base rates for JCP&L's stipulated rate settlements in 2005 were more than offset by additional credits provided to customers under the Ohio transition plan and a reallocation of billing components primarily related to special contracts. Shopping credits do not affect current period earnings due to deferral of the incentives for future recovery from customers. While industrial deliveries also increased they were more than offset by lower unit prices.

Transmission revenues increased $104 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period last year due in part to the June 2004 amended power supply agreement with FES and increased loads due to warmer summer weather and higher transmission usage prices. Other revenues increased $42 million primarily due to higher gains realized on nuclear decommissioning trust investments.

Expenses-
Total operating expenses, net of interest charges and income taxes increased in aggregate by $220 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period in 2004 due to the following:


    ·Other operating expenses increased $181 million principally due to higher transmission expenses resulting from an amended power supply agreement with FES, increased loads, and higher transmission system usage charges;


    ·Provision for depreciation increased $13 million reflecting the effect of property additions, additional costs for decommissioning the Saxton nuclear unit and increased leasehold improvement amortization, reflecting shorter lives associated with capital additions for leased generating plants of the Ohio Companies to correspond to the remaining lease terms;

    ·Additional amortization of regulatory assets of $77 million, principally Ohio transition costs;
    ·
   Higher general taxes of $22 million resulting from increased EUOC sales which increased the Ohio KWH
   tax and the Pennsylvania gross receipts tax and the absence in 2005 of Pennsylvania property tax
   refunds recognized in 2004; and

    ·Higher income taxes of $54 million due to increased taxable income.

The following partially offset these higher costs:

    ·
Additional deferrals of regulatory assets of $111 million, stemming from the deferral of PUCO-approved
MISO administrative costs, JCP&L reliability improvements, shopping incentive credits and relat
interest on those deferrals (see Note 14 - Regulatory Matters - Transmission, New Jersey); and

    ·
Lower interest charges of $16 million resulting from debt and preferred stock redemptions and refinancings.
42


Power Supply Management Services - Nine Months ended September 30, 2005 compared with the Nine Months ended September 30, 2004
The net loss for this segment was $15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to net income of $79 million in the same period last year. A reduction in the gross generation margin, higher nuclear operating costs and amounts recognized for fines, penalties and obligations associated with proceedings involving the W.H. Sammis Plant and the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station contributed to the 2005 net loss.

Revenues -
Excluding the effect of the change in recording PJM wholesale transactions on a gross basis in 2004 ($828 million), electric generation revenues increased $359 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 as a result of a 2.4% increase in KWH sales and higher unit prices.

The change in reported segment revenues resulted from the following:

  
Nine Months Ended
   
  
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
        
Electric generation sales:       
Retail  $3,223 $2,933 $290 
Wholesale(1) 
  1,050  981  69 
Total Electric Generation Sales  4,273  3,914  359 
Transmission  41  57  (16)
Other  32  29  3 
Total  4,346  4,000  346 
PJM gross transactions  -  828  (828)
Total Revenues $4,346 $4,828 $(482)
           
(1) Excluding 2004 PJM effect of gross transactions.
  


Higher electric generation sales resulted from increased unit prices and increased retail customer usage. The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the increased sales to retail and wholesale customers.
Source of Change in Electric Generation Sales
   
  
(In millions)
 
Retail:    
Effect of 4.5% increase in customer usage $140 
Change in prices  150 
   290 
Wholesale:    
Effect of 4.4% reduction in customer usage(1)
  (48
Change in prices  117 
   69 
Net Increase in Electric Generation Sales $359 
  
(1) Decrease of 47.3% including the effect of the PJM revision.
 


43


Expenses -
Excluding the effect of $828 million of PJM purchased power costs recorded on a gross basis in 2004, total operating expenses, net interest charges and income taxes increased in aggregate by $440 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. Higher fuel and purchased power costs contributed $428 million of the increase, resulting from higher fuel costs of $245 million and increased purchased power costs of $183 million. Factors contributing to the higher costs are summarized in the following table:

  
Increase
 
Source of Change in Fuel and Purchased Power
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
    
Fuel:    
Change due to unit costs
  $212 
Change due to volume consumed
  33 
   245 
    
Purchased Power:   
Change due to unit costs
  255 
Change due to volume purchased
  (53)
Increase in deferred costs  (19)
   183 
PJM Gross Transactions  (828
Net Decrease in Fuel and Purchased Power Costs $(400


FirstEnergy’s generation fleet established an output record of 59.5 billion KWH for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Higher coal costs resulted from increased consumption, market adjustment provisions in coal contracts reflecting higher market prices and increased transportation costs. Emission allowance costs increased primarily from higher prices. To a lesser extent, fuel expense increased due to the mix of fossil versus nuclear generation resulting from the nuclear refueling outages in the first nine months of 2005 following a year with no scheduled nuclear refueling outages and improved performance of fossil generating units. Fossil generation increased 12% in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 while nuclear generation decreased by 8% compared to the same period of 2004.

Other operating costs increased $74 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. This increase resulted from higher non-fuel nuclear costs. The increase in non-fuel nuclear costs resulted from 2005 refueling outages at Perry Unit 1 (including an unplanned extension) and Beaver Valley Unit 2 and a scheduled 23-day mid-cycle inspection outage at the Davis-Besse nuclear plant. There were no scheduled nuclear refueling outages in the first nine months of 2004. Also included in other operating costs for 2005 were the EPA settlement loss and NRC fine described above. Offsetting the higher other operating costs were reduced non-fuel fossil generation expense of $17 million due to reduced maintenance outages in 2005 and lower transmission costs of $15 million, due to an amended power supply agreement with Met-Ed and Penelec.

Partially offsetting the increase in other operating costs were lower income taxes of $65 million due to lower taxable income.

Other - Nine Months ended September 30, 2005 compared with the Nine Months ended September 30, 2004

FirstEnergy’s financial results from other operating segments and reconciling adjustments, including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses and the impacts of the new Ohio tax legislation (discussed below) resulted in a decrease in FirstEnergy’s net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The decrease primarily reflected the effect of the new Ohio tax legislation partially offset by the absenceeffect of discontinued operations, which included an after-tax net gain of $17 million in 2005 (see Note 6). The following table summarizes the second quartersources of 2005 of a litigation settlement loss of $11 million and the after-tax loss on the sale of GLEP of $7 million recorded in the second quarter of 2004.income from discontinued operations:

  
Nine Months Ended
   
  
September 30,
 
Increase
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Discontinued operations (net of tax)       
Gain on sale:          
Retail gas business $5 $- $5 
FSG and MYR Subsidiaries  12  -  12 
Reclassification of operating income  2  6  (4)
Total $19 $6 $13 
           

44


On June 30, 2005, the State of Ohio enacted new tax legislation that createscreated a new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT),CAT tax, which is based on qualifying "taxable“taxable gross receipts"receipts” and will not consider any expenses or costs incurred to generate such receipts, except for items such as cash discounts, returns and allowances, and bad debts. The CAT tax iswas effective July 1, 2005, and replaces the Ohio income-based franchise tax and the Ohio personal property tax. The CAT tax is phased-in while the current income-based franchise tax is phased-out over a five-year period at a rate of 20% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005, and the personal property tax is phased-out over a four-year period at a rate of approximately 25% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005. For example, during the phase-out period the Ohio income-based franchise tax will be computed consistently with the prior tax law, except that the tax liability as computed will be multiplied by 4/5 in 2005; 3/5 in 2006; 2/5 in 2007 and 1/5 in 2008, therefore eliminating the current income-based franchise tax over a five-year period. As a result of the new tax structure, all net deferred tax benefits that are not expected to reverse during the five-year phase-in period were written-off as of June 30, 2005. The impact on income taxes associated with the required adjustment to net deferred taxes for the second quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2005 was an additional tax expense of approximately $72 million, which was partially offset by the initial phase-out of the Ohio income-based franchise tax, which reduced income taxes by approximately $8 million in the second quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2005. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

36

Summary of Results of Operations - First Six Months of 2005 Compared with the First Six Months of 2004Postretirement Benefits

Financial results for FirstEnergy and its major business segments forPostretirement benefits expense decreased by $17 million in the first six monthsthird quarter of 2005 and 2004 were as follows:

      
Power
     
      
Supply
 
Other and
   
First Six Months of 2005
   
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
   
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
    
(In millions)
 
Revenue:           
  External           
Electric     $2,327 $2,589 $- $4,916 
Other      363  84  367  814 
Internal     158  -  (158) - 
Total Revenues     2,848  2,673  209  5,730 
                 
Expenses:                
Fuel and purchased power     -  1,828  -  1,828 
Other operating     826  807  172  1,805 
Provision for depreciation     261  17  14  292 
Amortization of regulatory assets     617  -  -  617 
Deferral of new regulatory assets     (180) -  -  (180)
General taxes     296  45  12  353 
Total Expenses     1,820  2,697  198  4,715 
                 
Net interest charges     197  18  117  332 
Income taxes     341  (17) 39  363 
Income before discontinued operations     490  (25) (145) 320 
Discontinued operations     -  -  18  18 
Net Income (Loss)    $490 $(25)$(127)$338 
                 


      
Power
     
      
Supply
 
Other and
   
First Six Months of 2004
   
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
   
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
    
(In millions)
 
Revenue:           
  External           
Electric     $2,279 $3,022 $- $5,301 
Other      289  50  335  674 
Internal     159  -  (159) - 
Total Revenues     2,727  3,072  176  5,975 
                 
Expenses:                
Fuel and purchased power     -  2,229  -  2,229 
Other operating     741  702  189  1,632 
Provision for depreciation     254  17  21  292 
Amortization of regulatory assets     581  -  -  581 
Deferral of new regulatory assets     (113) -  -  (113)
General taxes     283  42  12  337 
Total Expenses     1,746  2,990  222  4,958 
                 
Net interest charges     219  21  111  351 
Income taxes     316  25  (49) 292 
Income before discontinued operations     446  36  (108) 374 
Discontinued operations     -  -  4  4 
Net Income (Loss)    $446 $36 $(104)$378 
                 





37



      
Power
     
Change Between
     
Supply
 
Other and
   
First Six Months 2005 vs. 2004
   
Regulated
 
Management
 
Reconciling
 
FirstEnergy
 
Financial Results
   
Services
 
Services
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
 Increase (Decrease)
   
(In millions)
 
Revenue:           
  External           
Electric     $48 $(433)$- $(385)
Other      74  34  32  140 
Internal     (1) -  1  - 
Total Revenues     121  (399) 33  (245)
                 
Expenses:                
Fuel and purchased power     -  (401) -  (401)
Other operating     85  105  (17) 173 
Provision for depreciation     7  -  (7) - 
Amortization of regulatory assets     36  -  -  36 
Deferral of new regulatory assets     (67) -  -  (67)
General taxes     13  3  -  16 
Total Expenses     74  (293) (24) (243)
                 
Net interest charges     (22) (3) 6  (19)
Income taxes     25  (42) 88  71 
Income before discontinued operations     44  (61) (37 (54)
Discontinued operations     -  -  14  14 
Net Income (Loss)    $44 $(61)$(23$(40
                 

Regulated Services - First Six Months of 2005 Compared with First Six Months of 2004

Net income increased to $490$54 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from $446 million in the same period of 2004 due to increased operating revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses and taxes.

Revenues -

The increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:

  
Six Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
        
Distribution services $2,327 $2,279 $48 
Transmission services  197  130  67 
Lease revenue from affiliates  158  159  (1)
Other  166  159  7 
Total Revenues $2,848 $2,727 $121 
           

Changes in distribution deliveries by customer class are summarized in the following table:

Electric Distribution Deliveries
Increase
Residential3.8%
Commercial3.8%
Industrial0.1%
Total Distribution Deliveries2.5%



38

Increased consumption offset in part by lower prices resulted in higher distribution delivery revenue. The following table summarizes major factors contributing to the $48 million increase in distribution services revenue in the first half of 2005:

  
Increase
 
Sources of Change in Distribution Revenues
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
    
Changes in customer usage $75 
Changes in prices:    
Rate changes -     
 Ohio shopping incentive  (22)
 Other  8 
Rate mix and other   (13)
Net Increase in Distribution Revenues $48 
     
Distribution revenues benefited from warmer than normal temperatures in the second quarter of 2005 that increased the air-conditioning load of residential and commercial customers. Sales to industrial customers were flat due in part to a softening in automotive and steel-related markets. A reduction in prices primarily resulted from additional shopping credits under the Ohio transition plan.
Transmission revenues increased $67 million in the first six months of 2005 from the same period last year due in part to the amended power supply agreement with FES in June 2004. Other revenues increased $7 million primarily due to a payment received under a contract provision associated with the prior sale of TMI, which was offset in part by reduced JCP&L transition bond revenue.

Expenses-

The higher revenues discussed above were partially offset by the following increases in expenses:


·  Higher transmission expenses of $85 million due in part to the amended power supply agreement with FES, which also increased revenue;

· Increased provision for depreciation of $7 million reflecting the effect of property additions and additional costs for decommissioning the Saxton nuclear unit;

· Additional amortization of regulatory assets of $36 million, principally due to amortization of Ohio transition costs;

·  Increased general taxes of $13 million related to additional Pennsylvania gross receipts tax and the absence in 2005 of Pennsylvania property tax refunds recognized in the second quarter of 2004; and

· Higher income taxes of $25 million due to increased taxable income.
Partially offsetting these higher costs were two factors:

·Additional deferral of regulatory assets of $67 million, primarily the PUCO-approved MISO administrative costs, JCP&L reliability improvements, shopping incentive credits and related interest on those deferrals (see Note 14 - Regulatory Matters - Transmission, New Jersey); and

·Lower interest charges of $22 million resulting from debt and preferred stock redemptions.

Power Supply Management Services - First Six Months of 2005 Compared with the First Six Months of 2004

The net loss for this segment was $25 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to net income of $36 million in the same period last year. A reduction in the gross generation margin, higher nuclear operating costs and amounts recognized for fines, penalties and obligations associated with proceedings involving the Sammis Plant and the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station produced the net loss.



39

Generation Margin -

The gross generation margin in the first six months of 2005 decreased by $32 million compared to the same period of 2004, as shown in the table below.

  
Six Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
   
Gross Generation Margin
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
        
Electric generation revenue $2,589 $3,022 $(433)
Fuel and purchased power costs  1,828  2,229  (401)
Gross Generation Margin $761 $793 $(32)
           

Excluding the effect of PJM sales and purchases of $564 million recorded on a gross basis in 2004, electric generation revenues increased $131 million while fuel and purchased power costs increased $163 million. The higher fuel and purchased power costs primarily resulted from higher prices which more than offset the benefit of increased sales to retail and wholesale markets.

Revenues -

Excluding the effect of the change in recording PJM wholesale transactions, electric generation revenues increased $131 million in the first six months ofended September 30, 2005 compared to the same periodcorresponding periods of 2004 as a result of a 0.9% increase in KWH sales and higher unit prices. Additional retail sales reduced energy available for sale to the wholesale market.

The change in reported segment revenues resulted from the following sources:

  
Six Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
 
Increase
 
Revenues by Type of Service
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
        
Electric generation sales:       
Retail  $1,969 $1,864 $105 
Wholesale   620  594  26 
Total Electric Generation Sales  2,589  2,458  131 
Transmission  25  37  (12)
Other  59  13  46 
Total  2,673  2,508  165 
PJM gross transactions  -  564  (564)
Total Revenues $2,673 $3,072 $(399)
           

Changes in KWH sales are summarized in the following table:

Increase
Electric Generation
(Decrease)
Retail1.7%
Wholesale(1.8)%
Total Electric Generation0.9%*
* Decrease of 15.8% including the effect of the PJM revision.

The other revenues increase in the first six months of 2005 primarily resulted from the $40 million of revenues from the gas commodity operations previously discussed in the second quarter 2005 results analysis.



40

Expenses -

Excluding the effect2004. Pension costs represent most of the $564 million of PJM purchased power costs recorded on a gross basis in 2004, total operating expenses, net interest charges and income taxes increased in aggregate by $226 million. Higher fuel and purchased power costs contributed $163 million of the increase, resulting from higher fuel costs of $123 million and increased purchased power costs of $40 million. Factors contributing to the higher costs are summarized in the following table:

  
Increase
 
Source of Change in Fuel and Purchased Power
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
    
Fuel:    
Change due to price
  $88 
Change due to volume
  35 
   123 
    
Purchased Power:   
Change due to price
  124 
Change due to volume
  (36)
Deferred costs
  (48)
   40 
     
Net Increase in Fuel and Purchased Power Costs $163 
     
FirstEnergy’s fleet of generating plants established a new output record of 37.9 billion KWH. Increased coal and emission allowance costs combined to increase fossil fuel expense. Higher coal costs resulted from increased purchases, market adjustment provisions in coal contracts reflecting higher market prices and increased transportation costs. Emission allowance costs increased primarily from higher prices. To a lesser extent, fuel expense increasedreduction due to the increased mix of fossil versus nuclear generation resulting in large part from the nuclear refueling outages in first six months of 2005 following a year with no scheduled nuclear outages. Fossil generation increased 10% in the first six months of 2005 while nuclear generation decreased by 14%.

Non-fuel nuclear costs increased $100 million due primarily to refueling outages at Perry Unit 1 (including an unplanned extension) and Beaver Valley Unit 2 and a scheduled 23-day mid-cycle inspection outage at the Davis-Besse nuclear plant. There were no scheduled nuclear outages in the first six months of 2004.

Partially offsetting these higher costs were the following factors:

·Reduced non-fuel fossil generation expense of $17 million due to different maintenance outage schedules;

·Lower transmission costs of $37 million due in part to the amended power supply agreement that resulted in the regulated services segment assuming certain transmission obligations previously borne by the power supply management services segment; and

·Lower income taxes of $42 million due to lower taxable income.



41

Other - First Six Months of 2005 Compared with the First Six Months of 2004.

FirstEnergy’s financial results from other operating segments and reconciling adjustments, including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses, resulted in a net decrease in FirstEnergy’s net income in the first six months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The decrease primarily reflected the effect of the new Ohio tax legislation (discussed in the Other - Second Quarter 2005 results analysis section), partially offset by the effect of discontinued operations, which included an after-tax net gain of $17 million (see Note 6). The following table summarizes the sources of income from discontinued operations:

  
Six Months Ended
   
  
June 30,
 
Increase
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
Discontinued operations (net of tax)       
Gain on sale:          
Natural gas business $5 $- $5 
FSG and MYR Subsidiaries  12  -  12 
Reclassification of operating income  1  4  (3)
Total $18 $4 $14 
           

Postretirement Plans

Pension costs were lower in 2005 due to last year’s $500 million voluntary contribution made in 2004 and an increase in the market value of pension plan assets during 2004. Combined with amendments to FirstEnergy’s health care plan in the first quarter of 2005, postretirement benefits expense decreased by $17 million in the second quarter of 2005 and $37 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to the corresponding periods of 2004. The following table summarizes the net pension and OPEB expense (excluding amounts capitalized) for the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004.

  
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
   
Postretirement
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
September 30,
 
Increase
 
Benefits Expense *
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
              
Pension $8 $21 $(13)$24 $64 $(40)
OPEB  18  22  (4) 54  68  (14)
Total $26 $43 $(17)$78 $132 $(54)
                    
* Excludes the capitalized portion of postretirement benefits costs (see Note 10 for total costs).  


  
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
   
Postretirement
 
June 30,
  
June 30,
  
Benefits Expense *
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
 
              
Pension $8 $22 $(14)$16 $42 $(26)
OPEB  18  21  (3) 36  47  (11)
Total $26 $43 $(17)$52 $89 $(37)
                    
* Excludes the capitalized portion of postretirement benefits costs (see Note 10 for total costs).  
The decrease in pension and OPEB expenses are included in various cost categories and have contributed to other cost reductions discussed above.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

FirstEnergy’s cash requirements in 2005 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions are expected to be met without increasing FirstEnergy’s net debt and preferred stock outstanding. Available borrowingBorrowing capacity under credit facilities will be usedis available to manage working capital requirements. Thereafter, FirstEnergy expects to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

The primary source of ongoing cash for FirstEnergy, as a holding company, is cash dividends from its subsidiaries. The holding company also has access to $2.0 billion of short-term financing under a revolving credit facility, subject to short-term debt limitations under current regulatory approvals of $1.5 billion and to outstanding borrowings by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy who are also parties to such facility. In the secondthird quarter of 2005, FirstEnergy received $279$306 million of cash dividends from its subsidiaries and paid $135$141 million in cash dividends to its common shareholders - in the first sixnine months of 2005, it received and paid $416$846 million and $270$412 million, respectively. There are no material restrictions on the payment of cash dividends by FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, FirstEnergy had $50$140 million of cash and cash equivalents ($3 million restricted as an indemnity reserve) compared with $53 million ($3 million restricted as an indemnity reserve) as of December 31, 2004. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.



4245


Cash Flows From Operating Activities

FirstEnergy's consolidated net cash from operating activities is provided primarily by its regulated and power supply businesses (see "RESULTS“RESULTS OF OPERATIONS"OPERATIONS” above). Net cash provided by operating activities was $362$981 million and $332$528 million in the second quartersthird quarter of 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $931 million$1.9 billion and $979 million$1.5 billion in the first sixnine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively, summarized as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
 Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
 Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
 June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
 2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
 2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)  
  
(In millions)  
 
                    
Cash earnings * $501 $377 $865 $882 
Cash earnings (1)
 $777 $545 $1,642 $1,427 
Pension trust contribution(2)
  -  (300) -  (300)
Working capital and other  (139 (45 66  97   204  283  270  411 
Total cash flows from operating activities $362 $332 $931 $979  $981 $528 $1,912 $1,538 
                    
* Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below). 
(1) Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(1) Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
 
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $200 million of income tax benefits.
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $200 million of income tax benefits.
 
 

Cash earnings, as disclosed in the table above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. FirstEnergy believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $332 $299 $670 $677 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  153  147  444  439 
Amortization of regulatory assets  364  324  982  905 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (124) (79) (303) (191)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  26  27  63  72 
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (39) (118) (231) (263)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits(1)
  (38 (163) 24  (257)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  30  28  (71) (52)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  56  42  104  107 
Income from discontinued operations  (1 (2) (18) (6)
Other non-cash expenses  18  40  (22) (4)
Cash earnings (non-GAAP) $777 $545 $1,642 $1,427 
(1) Excludes $200 million of deferred tax benefits from pension contribution in 2004. 
 


  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $178 $204 $338 $378 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  149  146  292  292 
Amortization of regulatory assets  307  271  617  581 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (120) (68) (180) (113)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  19  23  38  45 
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (83) (61) (192) (145)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits  76  (100) 62  (94)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  (65) (64) (101) (81)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations  1  (2) (18) (4)
Other non-cash expenses  39  28  9  23 
Cash earnings (non-GAAP) $501 $377 $865 $882 
              

In the second quarter ofthree months and nine months ended September 30, 2005, cash earnings increased $124$232 million and $215 million, respectively. Both periods benefited from the same period last year as described under "RESULTS OF OPERATIONS." Cash earnings during the first six months of 2005 decreasedincreased generation and distribution revenues aided by $17 million from the same period of 2004.warmer summer temperatures that increased air conditioning load. In the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004, the use of cash forprovided from working capital increaseddecreased by $94$79 million, principally fromprimarily due to changes in receivables, accrued taxes, prepayments and materials and supplies, offset in part by accounts payable and funds received for prepaid electric service under the Ohio Schools Council’s Energy for Education Program.receivables. The use of cash for receivables resulted principallyin part from the conversion of the CFC accounts receivable salefinancing to an on-balance sheet transaction, which added $155$35 million of receivables to the balance sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. TheIn the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the first sixnine months of 2004, working capital changes provided $31$141 million less cash compared to the same period of 2005, due in part to changes in receivables, materials and supplies, prepayments and accrued taxes, and prepayments, offset by accounts payable and the funds received as prepayment for electric usage, under the three-year Energy for Education Program.II Program with the Ohio Schools Council.
46


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

In the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, cash used for financing activities was $109$580 million and $468 million,$1.0 billion, respectively, compared to $573$602 million and $813 million$1.4 billion in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2004, respectively. The following table summarizes security issuances and redemptions.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
New issues
         
Pollution control notes $89 $77 $334 $261 
Secured notes  -  -  -  550 
Long-term revolving credit  -  10  -  - 
Unsecured notes  -  -  -  150 
  $89 $87 $334 $961 
              
Redemptions
             
First mortgage bonds $- $206 $178 $588 
Pollution control notes  130  80  377  80 
Secured notes  25  374  74  447 
Long-term revolving credit  -  -  215  300 
Unsecured notes  8  112  8  337 
Preferred stock  30  1  170  1 
  $193 $773 $1,022 $1,753 
              
Short-term borrowings, net increase (decrease) $(308$228 $77 $(219)



43


  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
New issues
         
Pollution control notes $245 $- $245 $185 
Secured notes  -  300  -  550 
Unsecured notes  -  3  -  150 
  $245 $303 $245 $885 
              
Redemptions
             
First mortgage bonds $177 $290 $178 $382 
Pollution control notes  247  -  247  
-
 
Secured notes  29  31  48  73 
Long-term revolving credit  -  175  215  310 
Unsecured notes  -  225  -  225 
Preferred stock  42  -  140  - 
  $495 $721 $828 $990 
              
Short-term borrowings, net increase (decrease) $246 $(60)$386 $(447)


FirstEnergy had approximately $555$247 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 compared to approximately $170 million as of December 31, 2004. Available bank borrowings as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 included the following:

Borrowing Capability
 
FirstEnergy
  
Penelec
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
         
Short-term credit(1)
 $2,020  $- $2,020 
Utilized  -   -  - 
Letters of credit  (137)  -  (137)
Net  1,883   -  1,883 
            
Short-term bank facilities(2)
  -   75  75 
Utilized  -   (75) (75)
Net  -   -  - 
Total unused borrowing capability $1,883  $- $1,883 
            
(1) A $2 billion revolving credit facility is available in various amounts to FirstEnergy and certain
  of its subsidiaries, including  Penelec. A $20 million uncommitted line of credit facility added
  in September 2005 is available to FirstEnergy only.
(2) Penelec bank facility terminated on October 7, 2005.

Borrowing Capability
 
FirstEnergy
 
OE*
 
Penelec
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Short-term revolving credit** $2,000 $- $- $2,000 
Utilized  (41) -  -  (41)
Letters of credit  (140) -  -  (140)
Net  1,819  -  -  1,819 
              
Short-term bank facilities  -  14  75  89 
Utilized  -  -  (75) (75)
Net  -  14  -  14 
Total unused borrowing capability $1,819 $14 $- $1,833 
              
* Short-term revolving credit agreement matured on July 1, 2005 and was not renewed. 
**Credit facility is also available to OE, Penelec and certain other FirstEnergy subsidiaries, as discussed below. 
              

As of June 30,October 24, 2005, the Ohio Companies and Penn had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $4.1$3.8 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of their respective mortgage indentures.indentures following the recently completed intra-system transfer of fossil and hydroelectric generating plants (See Note 17). The issuance of FMB by OE and CEI are also subject to provisions of their senior note indentures generally limiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, subject to certain exceptions that would permit, among other things, the issuance of secured debt (including FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, these provisions would permit OE and CEI to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $668$690 million and $570$582 million, respectively, as of June 30,October 24, 2005. Under the provisions of its senior note indenture, JCP&L may issue additional FMB only as collateral for senior notes. As of June 30,October 24, 2005, JCP&L had the capability to issue $597$673 million of additional senior notes upon the basis of FMB collateral. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests in their respective charters, OE, Penn, TE and JCP&L could issue a total of $4.3$4.9 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. It is estimated that the annualized impact of the intra-system transfer of fossil and hydroelectric generating plants will reduce the aggregate capability of OE, Penn, TE and JCP&L to issue preferred stock by approximately 10%. CEI, Met-Ed and Penelec have no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

47


As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, approximately $1 billion remained unused under an existing shelf registration statement, filed by FirstEnergy with the SEC in 2003, to support future securities issues. The shelf registration provides the flexibility to issue and sell various types of securities, including common stock, debt securities, and share purchase contracts and related share purchase units.

FirstEnergy’s and its subsidiaries' working capital and short-term borrowing needs are met principally with a $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility that was entered into on June 14, 2005 by FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as borrowers, with a syndicate of banks. The facility replaced FirstEnergy’s $375 million and $1 billion three-year credit agreements, OE’s $125 million three-year credit agreement and OE’s recently-expired $250 million two-year credit agreement.(included in the table above). Borrowings under the facility are available to each borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing and the commitment termination date.
44


The following table summarizes the borrowing sub-limits for each borrower under the facility, as well as the limitations on short-term indebtedness applicable to each borrower under current regulatory approvals and applicable statutory and/or charter limitations.


Revolving
Regulatory and
 
Revolving
 
Regulatory and
 
Credit Facility
Other Short-Term
 
Credit Facility
 
Other Short-Term
 
Borrower
Sub-Limit
Debt Limitations1
 
Sub-Limit
 
Debt Limitations1
 
(In millions)
 
(In millions)
 
      
FirstEnergy
$2,000$1,500 $2,000 $1,500 
OE
500  500 500 
Penn
5049  50 51 
CEI
250500  250 500 
TE
250500  250 500 
JCP&L
425414  425 416 
Met-Ed
250
2502
  250 300 
Penelec
250
2502
  250 300 
FES
-3
n/a  
-2
 n/a 
ATSI
-3
26  
-2
 26 


(1)         As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.
(2)       Excluding amounts which may be borrowed under the Utility Money Pool.
 
(3)(2)
Borrowing sublimits for FES and ATSI may be increased to up to $250 million and $100 million, respectively, by delivering notice to the administrative agent that either (i) such borrower has senior unsecured debt ratings of at least BBB- by S&P and Baa3 by Moody’s or (ii) FirstEnergy has guaranteed the obligations of such borrower under the facility.

The revolving credit facility, combined with an aggregate $550 million ($395 million unused as of September 30, 2005) of accounts receivable financing facilities for OE, CEI, TE, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn, are intended to provide liquidity to meet short-term working capital requirements for FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries.

Under the revolving credit facility, borrowers may request the issuance of letters of credit expiring up to one year from the date of issuance. The stated amount of outstanding letters of credit will count against total commitments available under the facility and against the applicable borrower’s borrowing sub-limit. Total unused borrowing capability under existing credit facilities and accounts receivable financing facilities totaled $1.96$2.36 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

The revolving credit facility contains financial covenants such thatrequiring each borrower shallto maintain a consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 0.65 to 1.00. In addition, unless and untilOn October 3, 2005, FirstEnergy obtainsobtained a senior unsecured debt ratings ofrating upgrade to BBB- by S&P or Baa2 by Moody’s, FirstEnergy willremoving the requirement under the revolving credit facility to maintain a fixed charge ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, FirstEnergy and it’s subsidiaries’ fixed charge coverage ratios,debt to total capitalization as defined under the revolving credit agreements,facility, were as follows:

 
Debt
 
 
To Total
Fixed Charge
Borrower
Capitalization
Ratio
FirstEnergy
0.550.54 to 1.004.55
OE
0.39 to 1.006.66
Penn
0.350.32 to 1.0016.97
CEI
0.580.57 to 1.003.82
TE
0.43 to 1.003.48
JCP&L
0.310.29 to 1.004.94
Met-Ed
0.38 to 1.007.01
Penelec
0.350.34 to 1.005.63
48


The facility does not contain any provisions that either restrict the ability to borrow or accelerate repayment of outstanding advances as a result of any change in the credit ratings. Pricing is defined in "pricing grids"“pricing grids”, whereby the cost of funds borrowed under the facility is related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds.
45


FirstEnergy’s regulated companies also have the ability to borrow from each other and the holding company to meet their short-term working capital requirements. A similar but separate arrangement exists among FirstEnergy’s unregulated companies. FESC administers these two money pools and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and the respective regulated and unregulated subsidiaries, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of the loan, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from their respective pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50% for the regulated companies’ money pool and 2.86%3.46% for the unregulated companies' money pool.

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and its nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in their outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

FirstEnergy’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are influenced by the ratings of its securities. The total principal or par valuefollowing table displays FirstEnergy’s and its EUOC’s securities ratings as of optional redemptions duringOctober 3, 2005. The ratings outlook from S&P and Fitch on all securities is stable. Moody’s outlook on all securities is Positive.


Ratings of Securities
Securities
S&P
Moody’s
Fitch
FirstEnergy
Senior unsecuredBBB-Baa3BBB-
OE
Senior unsecuredBBB-Baa2BBB
Preferred stockBB+Ba1BBB-
CEI
Senior securedBBBBaa2BBB-
Senior unsecuredBBB-Baa3BB
TE
Senior securedBBBBaa2BBB-
Preferred stockBB+Ba2BB-
Penn
Senior securedBBB+Baa1BBB+
Senior unsecured (1)
BBB-Baa2BBB
Preferred stockBB+Ba1BBB-
JCP&L
Senior securedBBB+Baa1BBB+
Preferred stockBB+Ba1BBB
Met-Ed
Senior securedBBB+Baa1BBB+
Senior unsecuredBBBBaa2BBB
Penelec
Senior unsecuredBBBBaa2BBB

(1)Penn's only senior unsecured debt obligations are notes underlying pollution control revenue refunding bonds issued
     by the second quarterOhio Air Quality Development Authority to which bonds this rating applies.

On July 1, 2005, TE redeemed all of its 1,200,000 outstanding shares of 7.00% Series A preferred stock at $25.00 per share, plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption. TE also repurchased $37 million of pollution control revenue bonds on September 1, 2005, totaled $110 million with one optional redemption completed followingthe intent to remarket them by the end of the secondfirst quarter as shown in the table below.of 2006.

Optional Debt and Preferred Stock Redemptions by Company
 
Date of Redemption
 
Principal/Par
 
Annual Cost
    
(In millions)
   
CEI  May 1, 2005 $2  7.000%
   June 1, 2005  4  7.350%
JCP&L  May 1, 2005  6  7.125%
   June 30, 2005  50  8.450%
Met-Ed  May 1, 2005  7  6.000%
Penelec  May 1, 2005  3  6.125%
Penn  May 16, 2005  13  7.625%
   May 16, 2005  25  7.750%
     $110    
           
TE  July 1, 2005 $30  7.000%
           


49


Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash flows used infor investing activities resulted principally from property additions. Regulated services expenditures for property additions primarily include expenditures supporting the distribution of electricity. Capital expenditures by the power supply management services segment are principally generation-related. The following table summarizes the investment activities for the three months and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004 by FirstEnergy’s regulated services, power supply management services and other segments:

Summary of Cash Flows
 
Property
       
Used for Investing Activities
 
Additions
 
Investments
 
Other
 
Total
 
 Sources (Uses)
 
(In millions)
 
          
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
         
Regulated services $(207$(17$2 $(222
Power supply management services  (79 1  -  (78
Other  (1 -  1  - 
Reconciling items  (7) (9) 5  (11)
Total $(294$(25$8 $(311
              
Three Months Ended September 30, 2004
             
Regulated services $(157$242 $(69$16 
Power supply management services  (46 (11 -  (57
Other  (1 -  (2 (3
Reconciling items  (7) 10  84  87 
Total $(211$241 $13 $43 
              



46



Summary of Cash Flows
 
Property
        
 Property
       
Used for Investing Activities
 
Additions
 
Investments
 
Other
 
Total
  
 Additions
 
 Investments
 
 Other
 
 Total
 
Sources (Uses)
 
(In millions)
  
 (In millions)
                  
Three Months Ended June 30, 2005
         
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
         
Regulated services $(158$(19$(10$(187 $(506$(13$(5$(524
Power supply management services  (66 - - (66  (226 - - (226
Other  (2 3  (6 (5  (6 19 (18 (5
Reconciling items  (7) (20) -  (27)  (18) (9) 5  (22)
Total $(233$(36$(16$(285 $(756$(3$(18$(777
                    
Three Months Ended June 30, 2004
          
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004
          
Regulated services $(129$3 $(5$(131 $(377$196 $(76$(257
Power supply management services  (59 (2 - (61  (149 (14 - (163
Other  (1 180  2  181   (3 173  2  172 
Reconciling items  (8) 80  -  72   (17) 31  65  79 
Total $(197$261 $(3$61  $(546$386 $(9$(169
                    


          
Six Months Ended June 30, 2005
         
Regulated services $(299$4 $(7$(302
Power supply management services  (147 (1 -  (148
Other  (5 19  (19 (5
Reconciling items  (11) -  -  (11)
Total $(462$22 $(26$(466
              
Six Months Ended June 30, 2004
             
Regulated services $(220$(46$(7$(273
Power supply management services  (103 (3 -  (106
Other  (2 173  4  175 
Reconciling items  (10) 53  (19) 24 
Total $(335$177 $(22$(180
              

Net cash used for investing activities was $285$311 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to $61$43 million of cash provided from investing activities in the same period of 2004. The change was primarily due to $193 million of lower proceeds from assets sales, a $36an $83 million increase in property additions and an $83the absence in 2005 of $278 million change in interest rate swap activity.cash proceeds from certificates of deposit (released collateral) received in the third quarter of 2004. Net cash used for investing activities increased by $286$608 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. The increase principally resulted from a $210 million increase in property additions, lower proceeds from the sale of assets of $150 million, increased property additions of $127$152 million and a $47 million change in interest rate swap activity, partially offset by the absence in 2005 of a $51$278 million NUG trust refundof cash proceeds from certificates of deposit (released collateral) received in 2004.

DuringIn the second halflast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions and capital leases are expected to be approximately $622 million, including $24 million for nuclear fuel.$378 million. FirstEnergy hasand the Companies have additional requirements of approximately $41$312 million for maturing long-term debt during the remainder of 2005. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements.

FirstEnergy’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $3.3$3.5 billion (excluding nuclear fuel), of which $1.0$1.1 billion applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 periodperiods are estimated to be approximately $282$285 million, of which approximately $58$59 million applies to 2005. During the same period, FirstEnergy’s nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $284$282 million and $86 million respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed.


50


GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES

As part of normal business activities, FirstEnergy enters into various agreements on behalf of its subsidiaries to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties. Such agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds, and LOCs. Some of the guaranteed contracts contain ratings contingent collateralization provisions.



47

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the maximum potential future payments under outstanding guarantees and other assurances totaled $2.4$2.7 billion as summarized below:

  
Maximum
Guarantees and Other Assurances
 
Exposure
  
(In millions)
FirstEnergy guarantees of subsidiaries:  
Energy and energy-related contracts (1) 
 $785
Other (2) 
  503
   1,288
    
Surety bonds  307
Letters of credit (3)(4)
  1,055
    
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances  $2,650
    
(1)Issued for a one-year term, with a 10-day termination right by FirstEnergy. 
(2)Issued for various terms.
   
(3)Includes $137 million issued for various terms under LOC capacity available  
  under FirstEnergy's revolving credit agreement and $299 million outstanding in  
  support of pollution control revenue bonds issued with various maturities. 
(4)Includes approximately $194 million pledged in connection with the sale and  
  leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by CEI and TE, $291 million pledged in connection   
  with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by OE and $134 million pledged   
  in connection with the sale and leaseback of Perry Unit 1 by OE. 

  
Maximum
 
Guarantees and Other Assurances
 
Exposure
 
  
(In millions)
 
FirstEnergy guarantees of subsidiaries:   
Energy and energy-related contracts (1) 
 $897 
Other (2) 
  172 
   1,069 
     
Surety bonds  296 
Letters of credit (3)(4)
  1,058 
     
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances  $2,423 
     
(1)Issued for a one-year term, with a 10-day termination right by FirstEnergy. 
 
(2)Issued for various terms.
    
(3)Includes $140 million issued for various terms under LOC capacity available  
 
  under FirstEnergy's revolving credit agreement and $299 million outstanding in   
  support of pollution control revenue bonds issued with various maturities.  
(4)Includes approximately $194 million pledged in connection with the sale and  
 
  leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by CEI and TE, $291 million pledged in connection   
  with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by OE and $134 million pledged   
  in connection with the sale and leaseback of Perry Unit 1 by OE. 

FirstEnergy guarantees energy and energy-related payments of its subsidiaries involved in energy marketing activities - principally to facilitate normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. FirstEnergy also provides guarantees to various providers of subsidiary financing principally for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. These agreements legally obligate FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to fulfill the obligations of those subsidiaries directly involved in energy and energy-related transactions or financings where the law might otherwise limit the counterparties’ claims. If demands of a counterparty were to exceed the ability of a subsidiary to satisfy existing obligations, FirstEnergy’s guarantee enables the counterparty’s legal claim to be satisfied by FirstEnergy’s other assets. The likelihood that such parental guarantees will increase amounts otherwise paid by FirstEnergy to meet its obligations incurred in connection with ongoing energy-related contracts is remote.

While these types of guarantees are normally parental commitments for the future payment of subsidiary obligations, subsequent to the occurrence of a credit rating downgrade or "material“material adverse event"event,” the immediate posting of cash collateral or provision of an LOC may be required of the subsidiary. The following table summarizes collateral provisions in effect as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005:


   
Total
 
Collateral Paid
 
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
  
Exposure
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
Exposure
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Credit rating downgrade   $445 $213 $18 $214 
Adverse event    77  -  5  72 
Total   $522 $213 $23 $286 
                

    
Total
 
Collateral Paid
 
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
   
Exposure
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
Exposure
 
    
(In millions)
 
            
Credit rating downgrade    $367 $141 $18 $208 
Adverse event     50  -  7  43 
Total    $417 $141 $25 $251 
                 

As a result of S&P's credit rating upgrade described above, $109 million of cash collateral was returned to FirstEnergy in October 2005.

Most of FirstEnergy’s surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related guarantees provide additional assurance to outside parties that contractual and statutory obligations will be met in a number of areas including construction contracts, environmental commitments and various retail transactions.
51


FirstEnergy has guaranteed the obligations of the operators of the TEBSA project up to a maximum of $6 million (subject to escalation) under the project's operations and maintenance agreement. In connection with the sale of TEBSA in January 2004, the purchaser indemnified FirstEnergy against any loss under this guarantee. FirstEnergy has provided an LOC ($47 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, which is included in the caption "Other"“Other” in the above table of Guarantees and Other Assurances), which is renewable and declines yearly based upon the senior outstanding debt of TEBSA. The LOC was reduced to $36 million on October 15, 2005.



48

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

FirstEnergy has obligations that are not included on its Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the sale and leaseback arrangements involving Perry Unit 1, Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant, which are satisfied through the operating lease payments. The present value of these sale and leaseback operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, total $1.3 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

FirstEnergy has equity ownership interests in certain various businesses that are accounted for usingunder the equity method. There are no undisclosed material contingencies related to these investments. Certain guarantees that FirstEnergy does not expect to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, liquidity or results of operations, are disclosed under contractual obligations above.
On June 16, 2005, the CFC receivables financing structure was renewed and restructured from an off-balance sheet transaction to an on-balance sheet transaction. Under the new structure, any borrowings under the facility appear on the balance sheet as short-term debt.

MARKET RISK INFORMATION

FirstEnergy uses various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the Company.

Commodity Price Risk

FirstEnergy is exposed to marketprice risk primarily due to fluctuating electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel, emission allowance prices and energy transmission. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, it uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. The derivatives are used principally for hedging purposes and, to a much lesser extent, for trading purposes. All derivatives that fall within the scope of SFAS 133 must be recorded at their fair market value and be marked to market. The majority of FirstEnergy’s derivative hedging contracts qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception under the SFAS 133 exemption and are therefore excluded from the table below. Of those contracts not exempt from such treatment, most are non-trading contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. The change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts related to energy production during the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005 is summarized in the following table:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Increase (Decrease) in the Fair Value
   
June 30, 2005
 
June 30, 2005
  
September 30, 2005
 
September 30, 2005
 
of Commodity Derivative Contracts
   
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
Of Commodity Derivative Contracts
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Change in the Fair Value of
                            
Commodity Derivative Contracts:
                            
Outstanding net asset at beginning of period  $55 $3 $58 $62 $2 $64  $55 $(2$53 $62 $2 $64 
New contract when entered  - - - - - -   - - - - - - 
Additions/change in value of existing contracts  - (4) (4) (1) 2 1   (3 3 - (4 5 1 
Change in techniques/assumptions  - - - - - -   - - - - - - 
Settled contracts  - (1) (1) (7) - (7)  - - - (7 - (7
Sale of retail natural gas contracts    -  -  -  1  (6) (5)  -  -  -  1  (6 (5
Outstanding net asset at end of period (1)
   $55 $(2)$53 $55 $(2)$53  $52 $1 $53 $52 $1 $53 
                            
Non-commodity Net Assets at End of Period:
                            
Interest rate swaps (2)
    -  12  12  -  12  12   -  (10 (10 -  (10 (10
Net Assets - Derivative Contracts at End of Period
  $55 $10 $65 $55 $10 $65  $52 $(9$43 $52 $(9$43 
                            
Impact of Changes in Commodity Derivative Contracts(3)
                            
Income Statement effects (pre-tax)  $- $- $- $- $- $-  $(4$- $(4$(4$- $(4
Balance Sheet effects:                            
Other comprehensive income (pre-tax)  $- $(5)$(5)$- $(4)$(4) $- $3 $3 $- $(1$(1
Regulatory liability  $- $- $- $(7)$- $(7) $1 $- $1 $(6$- $(6
                            
(1) Includes $54 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
  
(1) Includes $55 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
(1) Includes $55 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
(2) Interest rate swaps are treated as cash flow or fair value hedges. (See Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Fair Value Hedges and Forward
(2) Interest rate swaps are treated as cash flow or fair value hedges. (See Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Fair Value Hedges and Forward
 
(2) Interest rate swaps are treated as cash flow or fair value hedges. (See Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Fair Value Hedges and Forward
Starting Swap Agreements - Cash Flow Hedges) Starting Swap Agreements - Cash Flow Hedges)    Starting Swap Agreements - Cash Flow Hedges)
(3) Represents the change in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in techniques/assumptions.
(3) Represents the change in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in techniques/assumptions.
 
(3) Represents the change in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in techniques/assumptions.

4952

 

Derivatives are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 as follows:

Balance Sheet Classification
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
Current -
       
Other assets $- $39 $39 
Other liabilities  (1) (39) (40)
           
Non-Current -
          
Other deferred charges  56  5  61 
Other noncurrent liabilities  (3) (14) (17)
           
Net assets $52 $(9$43 
           

Balance Sheet Classification
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
Current -
       
Other assets $1 $2 $3 
Other liabilities  (1) (4) (5)
           
Non-Current -
          
Other deferred charges  55  24  79 
Other non-current liabilities  -  (12) (12)
           
Net assets $55 $10 $65 
           

The valuation of derivative commodity contracts is based on observable market information to the extent that such information is available. In cases where such information is not available, FirstEnergy relies on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. FirstEnergy uses these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of derivative contracts by year are summarized in the following table:

Sources of Information -
               
Fair Value by Contract Year
 
2005 (1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
                
Prices actively quoted (2)
 $(3$(3$(2$- $- $- $(8
Other external sources (3)
  19  7  10  -  -  -  36 
Prices based on models  -  -  -  9  8  8  25 
Total (4)
 $16 $4 $8 $9 $8 $8 $53 
                       
(1) For the last quarter of 2005.
                      
(2) Exchange traded.
                      
(3) Broker quote sheets.
                      
(4) Includes $55 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
   

Sources of Information -
               
Fair Value by Contract Year
 
2005 (1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
  
(In millions)
 
                
Prices actively quoted (2)
 $1 $1 $- $- $- $- $2 
Other external sources (3)
  9  8  10  -  -  -  27 
Prices based on models  -  -  -  8  8  8  24 
Total (4)
 $10 $9 $10 $8 $8 $8 $53 
                       
(1) For the last two quarters of 2005.
                      
(2) Exchange traded.
                      
(3) Broker quote sheets.
                      
(4) Includes $54 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
   

FirstEnergy performs sensitivity analyses to estimate its exposure to the market risk of its commodity positions. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift (an increase or decrease depending on the derivative position) in quoted market prices in the near term on both FirstEnergy's trading and nontrading derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on its consolidated financial position (assets, liabilities and equity) or cash flows as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Based on derivative contracts held as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, an adverse 10% change in commodity prices would decrease net income by approximately $2$1 million for the next twelve months.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements - Fair Value Hedges

FirstEnergy utilizes fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements as part of its ongoing effort to manage the interest rate risk of its debt portfolio. These derivatives are treated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate, long-term debt issues - protecting against the risk of changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt instruments due to lower interest rates. Swap maturities, call options, fixed interest rates and interest payment dates match those of the underlying obligations. During the secondthird quarter of 2005, FirstEnergy executed no new fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps and unwound swaps with a total notional amount of $350 million (see Note 7). As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the debt underlying the $1.4$1.05 billion outstanding notional amount of interest rate swaps had a weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.54%5.66%, which the swaps have effectively converted to a current weighted average variable interest rate of 4.43%5.23%.



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June 30, 2005
 
December 31, 2004
  
September 30, 2005
 
December 31, 2004
 
 
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
 
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
  
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
 
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
  
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
 
 
(Dollars in millions)
  
(Dollars in millions)
 
                          
Fixed to Floating Rate $200 2006 $(2)$200  2006 $(1) $- 2006 $- $200 2006 $(1)
(Fair value hedges)  100 2008 (1) 100  2008 (1)  100 2008 (3) 100 2008 (1)
  50 2010 1  100  2010 1   50 2010 - 100 2010 1 
  50 2011 2  100  2011 2   50 2011 - 100 2011 2 
  450 2013 13  400  2013 4   450 2013 - 400 2013 4 
  100 2014 4  100  2014 2   - 2014 - 100 2014 2 
  150 2015 (2) 150  2015 (7)  150 2015 (7) 150 2015 (7)
  200 2016 6  200  2016 1   150 2016 2 200 2016 1 
  - 2018 -  150  2018 5   - 2018 - 150 2018 5 
  - 2019 -  50  2019 2   - 2019 - 50 2019 2 
  100  2031  (2) 100  2031  (4)  100  2031  (4) 100  2031  (4)
 $1,400    $19 $1,650    $4  $1,050   $(12$1,650   $4 
                              

Forward Starting Swap Agreements - Cash Flow Hedges

During the third quarter, FirstEnergy entered into several forward starting swap agreements (forward swap) in order to hedge a portion of the consolidated interest rate risk associated with the planned issuance of fixed-rate, long-term debt securities for one or more of its consolidated entities in the fourth quarter of 2006. These derivatives are treated as cash flow hedges, protecting against the risk of changes in the future interest payments resulting from changes in benchmark U.S. Treasury rates between the date of hedge inception and the date of the debt issuance. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, FirstEnergythe forward swaps had entered into forward starting swaps with an aggregate notional amounta fair value of $375$2 million.

Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $976 million$1.038 billion and $951 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $98$104 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

CREDIT RISK
 
Credit risk is the risk of an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any investment contract, loan agreement or otherwise perform as agreed. Credit risk arises from all activities in which success depends on issuer, borrower or counterparty performance, whether reflected on or off the balance sheet. FirstEnergy engages in transactions for the purchase and sale of commodities including gas, electricity, coal and emission allowances. These transactions are often with major energy companies within the industry.

FirstEnergy maintains credit policies with respect to its counterparties to manage overall credit risk. This includes performing independent risk evaluations, actively monitoring portfolio trends and using collateral and contract provisions to mitigate exposure. As part of its credit program, FirstEnergy aggressively manages the quality of its portfolio of energy contracts evidenced by a current weighted average risk rating for energy contract counterparties of BBB (S&P). As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the largest credit concentration was with one party, currently rated investment grade that represented 8% of FirstEnergy’s total credit risk. Within its unregulated energy subsidiaries, 99% of credit exposures, net of collateral and reserve,reserves, were with investment-grade counterparties as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Outlook

State Regulatory Matters

In Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, laws applicable to electric industry restructuring contain similar provisions that are reflected in the Companies' respective state regulatory plans. These provisions include:

 ·
restructuring the electric generation business and allowing the Companies' customers to select a
competitive electric generation supplier other than the Companies;

 ·establishing or defining the PLR obligations to customers in the Companies' service areas;
 
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 ·
providing the Companies with the opportunity to recover potentially stranded investment (or transition costs)
not otherwise recoverable in a competitive generation market;

 ·
itemizing (unbundling) the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation,
transmission, distribution and stranded costs recovery charges;

 ·continuing regulation of the Companies' transmission and distribution systems; and

 ·requiring corporate separation of regulated and unregulated business activities.

The EUOCs recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and regulatory plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

   
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase
Regulatory Assets*
   
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
  
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
   
(In millions)
 
(In millions)
               
OE  $935 $1,116 $(181) $845 $1,116 $(271)
CEI  902 959 (57)  889 959 (70)
TE  330 375 (45)  310 375 (65)
JCP&L  2,138 2,176 (38  2,311 2,176 135 
Met-Ed  673 693 (20)  572 693 (121)
Penelec  183 200 (17)  99 200 (101)
ATSI    17  13  4   20  13  7 
Total   $5,178 $5,532 $(354) $5,046 $5,532 $(486)
          
* Penn had net regulatory liabilities of approximately $37 million and $18 million included in Noncurrent 
Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.  
*Penn had net regulatory liabilities of approximately $48 million and $18 million
included in Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
*Penn had net regulatory liabilities of approximately $48 million and $18 million
included in Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.
 

Regulatory assets by source are as follows:

  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
 Regulatory Assets by Source
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
        
Regulatory transition costs  $4,169 $4,889 $(720)
Customer shopping incentives   826  612  214 
Customer receivables for future income taxes   289  246  43 
Societal benefits charge   18  51  (33
Loss on reacquired debt   83  89  (6)
Employee postretirement benefit costs   57  65  (8)
Nuclear decommissioning, decontamination           
and spent fuel disposal costs   (172) (169) (3
Asset removal costs   (366) (340) (26)
Property losses and unrecovered plant costs   34  50  (16)
MISO transmission costs   52  -  52 
JCP&L reliability costs   26  -  26 
Other   30  39  (9)
Total  $5,046 $5,532 $(486)
            

  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
Increase
 
 Regulatory Assets by Source
 
2005
 
2004
 
(Decrease)
 
  
(In millions)
        
Regulatory transition costs  $4,380 $4,889 $(509)
Customer shopping incentives *   736  612  124 
Customer receivables for future income taxes   296  246  50 
Societal benefits charge   30  51  (21
Loss on reacquired debt   85  89  (4)
Employee postretirement benefit costs   60  65  (5)
Nuclear decommissioning, decontamination           
and spent fuel disposal costs   (166) (169) 3 
Asset removal costs   (361) (340) (21)
Property losses and unrecovered plant costs   40  50  (10)
MISO transmission costs   20  -  20 
JCP&L reliability costs   27  -  27 
Other   31  39  (8)
Total  $5,178 $5,532 $(354)
            
 * The Ohio Companies are deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in 
   accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets, totaling $736 million as of 
   June 30, 2005 (OE - $274 million, CEI - $354 million, TE - $108 million) will be recovered through a surcharge 
   equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new 
   regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization of the regulatory assets for each accounting period 
   will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. 
  

Reliability Initiatives
 
FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. The FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators, however, may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future as the result of adoption of mandatory reliability standards pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy's filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

 
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As a result of outages experienced in JCP&L's service area in 2002 and 2003, the NJBPU had implemented reviews into JCP&L's service reliability. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)an MOU that set out specific tasks related to service reliability to be performed by JCP&L and a timetable for completion and endorsed JCP&L's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of a Special Reliability Master who made recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability. The Stipulation also incorporates the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of a focused audit of JCP&L's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). A Final Order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. On February 11, 2005, JCP&L met with the Ratepayer Advocate to discuss reliability improvements. JCP&L continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides for the creation of an ERO to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system, subject to FERC review. On September 1, 2005, the FERC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish certification requirements for the ERO, as well as regional entities envisioned to assume monitoring and compliance responsibility for the new reliability standards. The FERC expects to adopt a final rule on or before February 2006 regarding certification requirements for the ERO and regional entities.

The NERC is expected to reorganize its structure to meet the FERC’s certification requirements for the ERO. Following adoption of the final rule, the NERC will be required to make a filing with the FERC to obtain certification as the ERO. The proposed rule also provides for regional reliability organizations designed to replace the current regional councils. The “regional entity” may be delegated authority by the ERO, subject to FERC approval, for enforcing reliability standards adopted by the ERO and approved by the FERC. The ECAR, Mid-Atlantic Area Council, and Mid-American Interconnected Network reliability councils have signed an MOU designed to consolidate their regions into a new regional reliability organization known as ReliabilityFirst Corporation. Their intent is to file and obtain certification under the final rule as a “regional entity”. All of FirstEnergy’s facilities would be located within the ReliabilityFirst region.

On a parallel path, the NERC is establishing working groups to develop reliability standards to be filed for approval with the FERC following the NERC’s certification as an ERO. These reliability standards are expected to build on the current NERC Version 0 reliability standards. It is expected that the proposed reliability standards will be filed with the FERC in early 2006.

The impact of this effort on FirstEnergy is unclear. FirstEnergy believes that it is in compliance with all current NERC reliability standards. However, it is expected that the FERC will adopt stricter reliability standards than those contained in the current NERC Version 0 standards. The financial impact of complying with the new standards cannot be determined at this time. However, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires that all prudent costs incurred to comply with the new reliability standards be recovered in rates.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC, that impact Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn.

Ohio

On August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the RSP as modified and approved by the PUCO in an August 4, 2004 Entry on Rehearing, subject to a competitive bid process. The RSP was filed by the Ohio Companies' Rate Stabilization Plan extends currentCompanies to establish generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generationservice rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply at stabilized prices, and continuesuncertainty following the end of the Ohio Companies' support of energy efficiency and economictransition plan market development efforts. Onperiod. In October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the original June 9, 2004 PUCO order andin this proceeding as well as the associated entries on rehearing. Other key components ofOn September 28, 2005, the Rate Stabilization Plan includeOhio Supreme Court heard oral argument on the following:appeals.

·Amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC extends for OE to as late as 2007; CEI to as late as mid-2009 and TE to as late as mid-2008;

·Deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and

·Ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On May 27, 2005, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO to establish a generation rate adjustmentGCAF rider under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. The application seeks to implement recovery of increased fuel costs from 2006 through 2008 applicable to the Ohio Companies' retail customers through a tariff rider to be implemented January 1, 2006. The application reflects projected increases in fuel costs in 2006 compared to 2002 baseline costs. The new rider, after adjustments made in testimony, is seeking to recover all costs above the baseline (approximately $93$88 million in 2006). Various parties including the OCC have intervened in this case. Thecase and the case has been consolidated with the RCP application discussed below.
56


On September 9, 2005, the Ohio Companies have received discovery requests from the OCC andfiled an application with the PUCO staff. A procedural schedule has been established bythat, if approved, would supplement their existing RSP with an RCP. On September 27, 2005, the PUCO granted FirstEnergy's motion to consolidate the GCAF rider application with a hearing scheduledthe RCP proceedings and set hearings for October 4,the consolidated cases to begin November 29, 2005. The RCP is designed to provide customers with more certain rate levels than otherwise available under the RSP during the plan period. Major provisions of the RCP include:

On·    Maintain the existing level of base distribution rates through December 9, 2004,31, 2008 for OE and TE, and
    April 30, 2009 for CEI;

·    Defer and capitalize certain distribution costs to be incurred during the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect onperiod January 1, 2006. The2006
     through December 31, 2008, not to exceed $150 million in each of the three years;

·    Adjust the RTC and extended RTC recovery periods and rate levels so that full recovery of authorized
    costs will occur as of December 31, 2008 for OE and TE, and as of December 31, 2010 for CEI;

·    Reduce the deferred shopping incentive balances as of January 1, 2006 by up to $75 million for OE,
    $45 million for TE, and $85 million for CEI by accelerating the application of each respective
    company's accumulated cost of removal regulatory liability; and

·    Recover increased fuel costs of up to $75 million, $77 million, and $79 million, in 2006, 2007, and
    2008, respectively, from all OE and TE distribution and transmission customers through a fuel
    recovery mechanism and OE, TE, and CEI may defer and capitalize increased fuel costs above the
    amount collected through the fuel recovery mechanism.

Under provisions of the RSP, the PUCO may require the Ohio Companies to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. On July 22, 2005, FirstEnergy filed a competitive bid process for the period beginning in 2007 that is similar to the competitive bid process approved by the PUCO for the Ohio Companies in 2004.2004 which resulted in the PUCO accepting no bids. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP pricing, but notwith no accounting impacts to the related approved accounting,RSP, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination. On September 28, 2005, the PUCO issued an Entry that essentially approved the Ohio Companies' filing but delayed the proposed timing of the competitive bid process by four months, calling for the auction to be held on March 21, 2006.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.

New Jersey

The 2003 NJBPU decision on JCP&L's base electric rate proceeding ordered a Phase II proceeding in which the NJBPU would review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards and determine whether the expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability are prudent and reasonable for rate recovery. Depending on its assessment of JCP&L's service reliability, the NJBPU could have increased JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decreased it to 9.25%. On August 15, 2003 and June 1, 2004, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU an interim motion and a supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU decision, respectively. On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requested an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually.

53

On May 25, 2005, the NJBPU approved two stipulated settlement agreements. The first stipulation between JCP&L and the NJBPU staff resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's motion for reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU order (Phase I Order). The second stipulation between JCP&L, the NJBPU staff and the Ratepayer Advocate resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's Phase II proceeding. The stipulated settlements provide for, among other things, the following:

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million effective June 1, 2005, associated with the Phase I Order reconsideration;

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's Phase II Petition;

·An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its deferred cost balance;

·An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and

·A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity to its previous level of 9.5% after the target is not met for two consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% when the target is met for two consecutive quarters.

The Phase II stipulation included an agreement that the distribution revenues increase reflects a three-year amortization of JCP&L's service reliability improvement costs incurred in 2003-2005. This resulted in the creation of a regulatory asset associated with the accelerated tree trimming costs which were expensed in 2003 and 2004. The establishment of the new regulatory asset of approximately $28 million resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $16 million ($0.05 per share of FirstEnergy common stock) in the second quarter of 2005.

JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order. New BGS tariffs reflecting the results of a February 2005 auction for the BGS supply became effective June 1, 2005. On May 5, 2005, the NJBPU issued an order that BGS procurement proposals for post transition year four be filed by July 1, 2005. The NJBPU requested that the filings address transmission rate issues and rate design alternatives. JCP&L filed its proposal on July 1, 2005. The auction is scheduled to take place in February 2006 for the supply period beginning June 1, 2006.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study. This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005. On March 18, 2005, JCP&L filed a response to those comments. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. On April 13, 2005, the Commonwealth Court issued an interim order in the remand proceeding that the parties should report the status of the negotiations to the PPUC with a copy to the ALJ. The parties exchanged settlement proposals in May and June 2005 and continue to have settlement discussions.

54

Met-Ed and Penelec purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sales agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec under their NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's and Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for their uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed and Penelec are authorized to defer differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.On November 1, 2005, FES and the other parties to the wholesale power agreement amended the agreement to provide FES the right over the next year to terminate the agreement at any time upon 60 days notice. If the wholesale power agreement were terminated, Met-Ed and Penelec would need to satisfy the applicable portion of their PLR obligations from other sources at prevailing prices, which are likely to be higher than the current price charged by FES under the agreement and, as a result, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s purchased power costs could materially increase.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed and Penelec filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $8 million per month. The OCA, OSBA, OTS, MEIUG, PICA, Allegheny Electric Cooperative and Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association have all intervened in the case. To date no hearing schedule has been established, and neither company has yet implemented deferral accounting for these costs.




57


On October 11, 2005, Penn filed a plan with the PPUC to secure electricity supply for its customers at set rates following the end of its transition period on December 31, 2006. Penn is recommending that the Request for Proposal process cover the period of January 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Under Pennsylvania's electric competition law, Penn is required to secure generation supply for customers who do not choose alternative suppliers for their electricity.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania.

TransmissionNew Jersey

The 2003 NJBPU decision on JCP&L's base electric rate proceeding (Phase I order) disallowed certain regulatory assets and provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The Phase I Order also provided for a Phase II proceeding in which the NJBPU would review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards and determine whether the expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system reliability are prudent and reasonable for rate recovery. Depending on its assessment of JCP&L's service reliability, the NJBPU could have increased JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decreased it to 9.25%. On August 15, 2003 and June 1, 2004, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU an interim motion and a supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration of the Phase I Order, respectively. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances; (2) the capital structure including the rate of return; (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requested an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually.

On May 25, 2005, the NJBPU approved two stipulated settlement agreements. The first stipulation between JCP&L and the NJBPU staff resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's motion for reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU order Phase I Order. The second stipulation between JCP&L, the NJBPU staff and the Ratepayer Advocate resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's Phase II proceeding. The stipulated settlements provide for, among other things, the following:

·    An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million, effective June 1, 2005, associated with the
    Phase I Order reconsideration;

·    An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million, effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's
    Phase II Petition;

·    An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in
    anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its deferred
    cost balance;

·    An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and

·    A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in
    JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.75% to 9.5% if the target is not met for two
    consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% if the
    target is met for two consecutive quarters.

The Phase II stipulation included an agreement that the distribution revenue increase also reflects a three-year amortization of JCP&L's one-time service reliability improvement costs incurred in 2003-2005. This resulted in the creation of a regulatory asset associated with accelerated tree trimming and other reliability costs which were expensed in 2003 and 2004. The establishment of the new regulatory asset of approximately $28 million resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $16 million ($0.05 per share of FirstEnergy common stock) in the second quarter of 2005.

JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order for the period June 1, 2005 through May 31, 2006. New BGS tariffs reflecting the results of a February 2005 auction for the BGS supply became effective June 1, 2005. On July 1, 2005, JCP&L filed its BGS procurement proposals for post transition year four. The auction is scheduled to take place in February 2006 for the annual supply period beginning June 1, 2006.
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      In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 16,30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study. This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville, Ohio. Under the FERC's original decision, CEI would have been responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets began in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the orderestimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the FERCprior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on OctoberFebruary 28, 2005. On March 18, 2004. On April 15, 2005, JCP&L filed a response to those comments. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

See Note 14 to the FERC issued an order on rehearing that "carves out" these contracts from the MISO Day 2 market, which became effective April 1, 2005. While the order on rehearing is favorable to CEI, the impactconsolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service and MISO's ability to administer the contracts. Accordingly, the impact of this decision cannot be determined at this time.regulatory matters in New Jersey.

Transmission
On December 30, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed with the PUCO two applications related to the recovery of transmission and ancillary service related costs. The first application seeks recovery of these costs beginning January 1, 2006. At the time of filing the application, these costs were estimated to be approximately $30 million per year; however, the Ohio Companies anticipate that this amount will increase. The Ohio Companies requested that these costs be recovered through a rider that would be effective on January 1, 2006 and adjusted thereafter each July 1.1 thereafter. The Ohio Companies reached a settlement with OCC, PUCO staff, Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and OPAE. The only other party in this proceeding, Dominion Retail, Inc., agreed not to oppose the settlement. This settlement, which was filed with the PUCO on July 22, 2005, provides for the rider recovery requested by the Ohio Companies, with carrying charges applied in the subsequent year’s rider for any over or under collection while the then-current rider is in effect. IfThe PUCO approved the settlement stipulation is approved by the PUCO, the actual amountson August 31, 2005. The incremental Transmission and Ancillary service revenues expected to be recovered from January through June 2006 are approximately $61.2 million. This value includes the January 1,recovery of the 2005 deferred MISO expenses as described below. In May 2006, riderthe Ohio Companies will be submittedfile a modification to the PUCO on or before November 1, 2005.rider which will determine revenues from July 2006 through June 2007.

The second application seekssought authority to defer costs associated with transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the PUCO granted the accounting authority for the Ohio Companies to defer incremental transmission and ancillary service-related charges incurred as a participant in the MISO, but only for those costs incurred during the period December 30, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Deferral of allPermission to defer costs incurred prior to December 31, 2004 was denied. The PUCO also authorized the Ohio Companies to accrue carrying charges on the deferred balances. An application filed with the PUCO to recover these deferred charges over a five-year period through the rider, beginning in 2006, is pending.was approved in a PUCO order issued on August 31, 2005 approving the stipulation referred to above. The OCC, OPAE and the Ohio Companies each filed applications for rehearing. The Ohio Companies sought authority to defer the transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period October 1, 2003 through December 29, 2004, while both OCC and OPAE sought to have the PUCO deny deferral of all costs. On July 6, 2005, the PUCO denied the Ohio CompaniesCompanies' and OCC’s applications and, at the request of the Ohio Companies, struck as untimely OPAE’s application. The Ohio Companies and the OCC have sixty days from that date to filefiled a notice of appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Court on August 31, 2005. On September 30, 2005, in accordance with appellate procedure, the PUCO filed with the Ohio Supreme Court the record in this case. The Companies' brief will be due thirty days after the OCC files its brief, which, absent any time extensions, must be filed no later than November 9, 2005.

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made three filings pursuant to a settlement agreement previously approved by the FERC. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec were parties to that proceeding and joined in two of the filings. In the first filing, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing rate design within the PJM RTO. In the second filing, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Interventions and protests were filed on February 22, 2005. In the third filing, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Pepco Holdings, Inc. requested a formula rate for transmission service provided within their respective zones. On May 31, 2005, the FERC issued an order on these cases. First, it set for hearing the existing rate design and indicated that it will issue a final order within six months. Second, the FERC approved the proposed Schedule 12 rate harmonization. Third, the FERC accepted the proposed formula rate, subject to referral and hearing procedures. On JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the PJM transmission owners filed a request for rehearing of the May 31, 2005 order. The rate design and formula rate filings continue to be litigated before the FERC. The outcome of these two cases cannot be predicted.

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Environmental Matters
 
The Companies accrue environmental liabilities only when they conclude that it is probable that they have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Companies’ determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

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FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 
In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulation to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2). in all cases from the 2003 levels. The Companies’ Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOx emissions, whereas ourtheir New Jersey fossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to a cap on NOx emissions only. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Mercury Rule," which provides for a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as(as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program.program). Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. TheHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. FirstEnergy's future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities coveringalleging violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)DOJ filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, including a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. On March 18, 2005, OE and Penn announced that they had reached a settlement with the EPA, the DOJ and three states (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) that resolved all issues related to the W. H. Sammis Plant New Source Review litigation. This settlement agreement, which is in the form of a Consent Decree, that was approved by the Court on July 11, 2005, requires OE and Penn to reduce emissions fromNOx and SO2 emission at the W. H. Sammis Plant and other coal-fired plants through the installation of pollution control devices requiring capitaldevices. Capital expenditures necessary to meet those requirements are currently estimated to be $1.1$1.5 billion (primarily(the primary portion of which is expected to be spent in the 2008 to 2011 time period). As disclosed in FirstEnergy's Form 8-K dated August 26, 2005, FGCO entered into an agreement with Bechtel Power Corporation (Bechtel), under which Bechtel will engineer, procure, and construct air quality control systems for the reduction of sulfur dioxide emissions. The settlement agreement also requires OE and Penn to spend up to $25 million toward environmentally beneficial projects, which include wind energy purchasepurchased power agreements over a 20-year term. OE and Penn agreed to pay a civil penalty of $8.5 million. Results for the first quarter of 2005 included the penalties payable by OE and Penn of $7.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. OE and Penn also recognized liabilities of $9.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for probable future cash contributions toward environmentally beneficial projects during the first quarter of 2005.



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Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

The Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies' diversified generation sources which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste
 
The Companies have been named as PRPs at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Companies' proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accruedTotal liabilities aggregatingof approximately $64 million as of June(JCP&L - $46.8 million, CEI - $2.3 million, TE - $0.2 million, Met-Ed - $0.1 million and other - $14.6 million) have been accrued through September 30, 2005.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy's normal business operations pending against FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

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Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seekingFirstEnergy companies also are defending six separate complaint cases before the PUCO relating to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All threeoutage. Two such cases were originally filed in Ohio State courts but subsequently dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two of theseIn both such cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants���complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seeksought to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. BothOf the four other pending PUCO complaint cases, three were filed by various insurance carriers either in their own name or as subrogees in the name of their insured. In each such case, the carriers seek reimbursement against various FirstEnergy companies (and, in one case, against PJM, MISO and American Electric Power Co. as well) for claims they paid to their insureds allegedly due to the loss of power on August 14, 2003. The listed insureds in these cases, in many instances, are otherwise currently pending further proceedings.not customers of any FirstEnergy company. The fourth case involves the claim of a non-customer seeking reimbursement for losses incurred when its store was burglarized on August 14, 2003. In addition to the twothese six cases, that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken for any of these cases.

One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003 from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. On May 11, 2005, FENOC received a subpoena for documents related to outside meetings attended by Davis-Besse personnel on corrosion and cracking of control rod drive mechanisms and additional root cause evaluations.

On April 21, 2005, the NRC issued a NOV and proposed a $5.45 million civil penalty related to the degradation of the Davis-Besse reactor vessel head issue described above. On July 8, 2005, FENOC requested an additional 120 days to respond to the NOV. FirstEnergy accrued $2.0 million for the proposeda potential fine in 2004prior to 2005 and accrued the remaining liability for the proposed fine during the first quarter of 2005. On September 14, 2005, FENOC filed its response to the NOV with the NRC. FENOC accepted full responsibility for the past failure to properly implement its boric acid corrosion control and corrective action programs. The NRC NOV indicated that the violations do not represent current licensee performance. FirstEnergy paid the penalty in the third quarter of 2005.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability based on the events surrounding Davis-Besse, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Effective July 1, 2005 the NRC oversight panel for Davis-Besse was terminated and Davis-Besse returned to the standard NRC reactor oversight process. At that time, NRC inspections were augmented to include inspections to support the NRC's Confirmatory Order dated March 8, 2004 that was issued at the time of startup and to address an NRC White Finding related to the performance of the emergency sirens.



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On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which currently is owned and/or leased by OE, CEI, TE and Penn (however, see Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which include owned portions of the plant). On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forum to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives although it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004. During the public forum and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix. On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process, from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. On August 24, 2005 additional information was requested regarding Davis-Besse. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

On August 22, 2005, a class action complaint was filed against OE in Jefferson County, Ohio Common Pleas Court seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial based on claims of negligence and eight other tort counts alleging damages from the W.H. Sammis Plant air emissions. The two named plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief to eliminate harmful emissions and repair property damage and the institution of a medical monitoring program for class members.

JCP&L's bargaining unit employees filed a grievance challenging JCP&L's 2002 call-out procedure that required bargaining unit employees to respond to emergency power outages. On May 20, 2004, an arbitration panel concluded that the call-out procedure violated the parties' collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the June 1, 2005, hearing, the Arbitrator decided not to hear testimony on damages and closed the proceedings. On September 9, 2005, the Arbitrator issued an opinion to award approximately $16.1 million to the bargaining unit employees. JCP&L initiated an appeal of this award by filing a motion to vacate in Federal court in New Jersey on October 18, 2005. JCP&L recognized a liability for the potential $16.1 million award during the three months ended September 30, 2005.

The City of Huron filed a complaint against OE with the PUCO challenging the ability of electric distribution utilities to collect transition charges from a customer of a newly formed municipal electric utility. The complaint was filed on May 28, 2003, and OE timely filed its response on June 30, 2003. In a related filing, the Ohio Companies filed for approval with the PUCO a tariff that would specifically allow the collection of transition charges from customers of municipal electric utilities formed after 1998. An adverse ruling could negatively affect full recovery of transition charges by the utility. Hearings on the matter were held in August 2005. Initial briefs from all parties were filed on September 22, 2005 and reply briefs were filed on October 14, 2005. It is unknown when the PUCO will rule on this case.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

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NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

FSP No. FAS 13-1, "Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred during the Construction Period"
Issued in October 2005, FSP No. FAS 13-1 requires rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases that are incurred during a construction period to be recognized as rental expense. The effective date of the FSP guidance is the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP, and its impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006. See Note 2 for an example of FirstEnergy's application of this Issue.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with FirstEnergy's current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for FirstEnergy in the fourth quarter of 2005. FirstEnergy and the Companies are currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on their financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy and the Companies will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.


FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
64


SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”
On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the second period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannot be reasonably estimated,measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that fact anddo not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the reasons why must be disclosed.future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for FirstEnergy. This InterpretationFSP is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willnot expected to have a material impact on itsFirstEnergy's financial statements.

SFAS 123(R), "Share-Based Payment"“Share-Based Payment”

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123(R), a revision to SFAS 123, which requires expensing stock options in the financial statements. Important to applying the new standard is understanding how to (1) measure the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and (2) recognize the related compensation cost for those awards. For an award to qualify for equity classification, it must meet certain criteria in SFAS 123(R). An award that does not meet those criteria will be classified as a liability and remeasured each period. SFAS 123(R) retains SFAS 123's requirements on accounting for income tax effects of stock-based compensation. In April 2005, the SEC delayed the effective date of SFAS 123(R) to annual, rather than interim, periods that begin after June 15, 2005. The SEC’s new rule results in a six-month deferral for FirstEnergy and other companies with a fiscal year beginning January 1. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006. The Company will be applyingFirstEnergy expects to adopt modified prospective application, without restatement of prior interim periods. Any potentialPotential cumulative adjustments, if any, have not yet been determined. FirstEnergy uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value options for disclosure purposes only and will continueexpects to do soapply this pricing model upon adoption of SFAS 123(R).

59

EITF IssueSFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 03-1,43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by FirstEnergy beginning January 1, 2006. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, FirstEnergy continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.

FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"FSP 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”
 
Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to nine percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified“qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting“Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergyTaxes", which is currently evaluating this FSP and does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.consistent with FirstEnergy's accounting.






60



OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $716,612 $718,347 $1,442,970 $1,461,642 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  12,006  13,844  23,922  28,914 
Purchased power  227,507  237,826  474,097  487,707 
Nuclear operating costs  92,607  74,392  188,260  154,033 
Other operating costs  95,589  91,797  178,768  177,157 
Provision for depreciation  31,654  30,215  57,706  60,144 
Amortization of regulatory assets  109,670  100,124  221,441  213,819 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (39,026) (25,167) (63,821) (44,062)
General taxes  46,043  39,488  94,121  88,054 
Income taxes  91,192  65,787  146,164  127,361 
Total operating expenses and taxes   667,242  628,306  1,320,658  1,293,127 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  49,370  90,041  122,312  168,515 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  16,860  16,787  17,283  33,144 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  15,732  16,395  31,341  32,984 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction             
and capitalized interest   (3,006) (1,593) (5,241) (2,974)
Other interest expense  5,670  4,046  8,264  6,936 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements  738  640  1,378  1,280 
Net interest charges   19,134  19,488  35,742  38,226 
              
NET INCOME
  47,096  87,340  103,853  163,433 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  658  659  1,317  1,220 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $46,438 $86,681 $102,536 $162,213 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $47,096 $87,340 $103,853 $163,433 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  (12,960) (1,021) (15,677) 4,146 
Income tax (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  (4,546) (421) (5,670) 1,709 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (8,414) (600) (10,007) 2,437 
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $38,682 $86,740 $93,846 $165,870 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these 
statements.             
6165

 
 

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $825,790 $766,336 $2,268,760 $2,227,978 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  15,158  15,244  39,080  44,158 
Purchased power  229,561  242,835  703,658  730,542 
Nuclear operating costs  76,254  81,244  264,514  235,277 
Other operating costs  114,762  99,132  293,530  276,289 
Provision for depreciation  30,169  30,702  87,875  90,846 
Amortization of regulatory assets  126,439  103,211  347,880  317,030 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (43,929) (25,728) (107,750) (69,790)
General taxes  51,945  47,634  146,066  135,688 
Income taxes  99,778  76,502  245,942  203,863 
Total operating expenses and taxes   700,137  670,776  2,020,795  1,963,903 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  125,653  95,560  247,965  264,075 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  20,069  17,141  37,352  50,285 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  12,989  10,657  44,330  43,641 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction             
and capitalized interest   (3,014) (1,950) (8,255) (4,924)
Other interest expense  4,193  640  12,457  7,576 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements  156  639  1,534  1,919 
Net interest charges   14,324  9,986  50,066  48,212 
              
NET INCOME
  131,398  102,715  235,251  266,148 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  659  623  1,976  1,843 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $130,739 $102,092 $233,275 $264,305 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $131,398 $102,715 $235,251 $266,148 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  (3,402) (6,913) (19,079) (2,767)
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income  2,043  2,850  7,713  1,141 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   (1,359) (4,063) (11,366) (1,626)
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $130,039 $98,652 $223,885 $264,522 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these  
statements.             
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $5,553,362 $5,440,374 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  2,770,924  2,716,851 
   2,782,438  2,723,523 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  226,124  203,167 
Nuclear fuel  -  21,694 
   226,124  224,861 
   3,008,562  2,948,384 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lease obligation bonds  341,582  354,707 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  447,649  436,134 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  207,430  208,170 
Other  45,394  48,579 
   1,042,055  1,047,590 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  1,283  1,230 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $6,282,000 and $6,302,000, respectively,       
for uncollectible accounts)   282,283  274,304 
Associated companies  167,260  245,148 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $52,000 and $64,000, respectively,       
for uncollectible accounts)   10,549  18,385 
Notes receivable from associated companies  598,151  538,871 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  108,221  90,072 
Prepayments and other  20,324  13,104 
   1,188,071  1,181,114 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Regulatory assets  935,223  1,115,627 
Property taxes  61,419  61,419 
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs  57,670  60,242 
Other  67,867  68,275 
   1,122,179  1,305,563 
  $6,360,867 $6,482,651 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 175,000,000 shares - 100 shares outstanding $2,099,089 $2,098,729 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (57,125) (47,118)
Retained earnings  367,734  442,198 
Total common stockholder's equity   2,409,698  2,493,809 
Preferred stock  60,965  60,965 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiary  14,105  39,105 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  1,104,584  1,114,914 
   3,589,352  3,708,793 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  289,215  398,263 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  82,389  11,852 
Other  143,912  167,007 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  100,452  187,921 
Other  12,824  10,582 
Accrued taxes  172,478  153,400 
Other  84,545  74,663 
   885,815  1,003,688 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  724,040  766,276 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  55,800  62,471 
Asset retirement obligation  350,387  339,134 
Retirement benefits  314,543  307,880 
Other  440,930  294,409 
   1,885,700  1,770,170 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $6,360,867 $6,482,651 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these balance sheets.   
        
 
 
 
6266

 
 

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $47,096 $87,340 $103,853 $163,433 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation  31,654  30,215  57,706  60,144 
Amortization of regulatory assets  109,670  100,124  221,441  213,819 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (39,026) (25,167) (63,821) (44,062)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  9,493  10,591  18,663  21,852 
Amortization of lease costs  (35,982) (35,482) (2,952) (2,452)
Amortization of electric service obligation  (3,991) -  (3,991) - 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  19,485  (20,542) (5,142) (50,587)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  4,627  6,106  6,661  17,229 
Accrued compensation, net  850  (372) (3,157) 4,032 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -             
Receivables  (8,378) 127,707  77,745  75,772 
Materials and supplies  (2,315) (3,104) (18,149) (5,866)
Prepayments and other current assets  5,657  5,315  (7,220) (6,514)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -             
Accounts payable  (45,373) (334,764) (85,227) (93,785)
Accrued taxes  (25,370) (30,877) 19,078  (342,454)
Accrued interest  (7,784) (5,553) (791) (110)
Prepayment for electric service - education programs  136,142  -  136,142  - 
Other  6,357  (11,403) 18,071  (5,294)
Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities  202,812  (99,866) 468,910  5,157 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt  146,450  -  146,450  30,000 
Short-term borrowings, net  16,260  -  47,442  - 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock  (37,750) -  (37,750) - 
Long-term debt  (244,721) (19,809) (260,508) (116,810)
Short-term borrowings, net  -  (94,155) -  (77,814)
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock  (130,000) (117,000) (177,000) (171,000)
Preferred stock  (658) (659) (1,317) (1,220)
Net cash used for financing activities  (250,419) (231,623) (282,683) (336,844)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (41,675) (47,302) (121,458) (84,963)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,885) (7,885) (15,770) (15,770)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  95,498  359,878  (58,540) 408,790 
Other  1,748  27,139  9,594  23,411 
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  47,686  331,830  (186,174) 331,468 
              
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  79  341  53  (219)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  1,204  1,323  1,230  1,883 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,283 $1,664 $1,283 $1,664 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these 
statements.             
              
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $5,573,996 $5,440,374 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  2,793,343  2,716,851 
   2,780,653  2,723,523 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  246,325  203,167 
Nuclear fuel  17,972  21,694 
   264,297  224,861 
   3,044,950  2,948,384 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lease obligation bonds  341,335  354,707 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  462,439  436,134 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  207,089  208,170 
Other  44,623  48,579 
   1,055,486  1,047,590 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  900  1,230 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $7,312,000 and $6,302,000, respectively,       
for uncollectible accounts)   285,462  274,304 
Associated companies  121,262  245,148 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $14,000 and $64,000, respectively,       
for uncollectible accounts)   20,653  18,385 
Notes receivable from associated companies  798,513  538,871 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  92,610  90,072 
Prepayments and other  17,336  13,104 
   1,336,736  1,181,114 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Regulatory assets  844,590  1,115,627 
Property taxes  61,419  61,419 
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs  56,477  60,242 
Other  67,093  68,275 
   1,029,579  1,305,563 
  $6,466,751 $6,482,651 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 175,000,000 shares - 100 shares outstanding $2,099,099 $2,098,729 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (58,484) (47,118)
Retained earnings  434,473  442,198 
Total common stockholder's equity   2,475,088  2,493,809 
Preferred stock  60,965  60,965 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiary  14,105  39,105 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  1,099,147  1,114,914 
   3,649,305  3,708,793 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  273,656  398,263 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  120,971  11,852 
Other  123,584  167,007 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  81,980  187,921 
Other  11,289  10,582 
Accrued taxes  213,843  153,400 
Other  117,268  74,663 
   942,591  1,003,688 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  688,702  766,276 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  52,108  62,471 
Asset retirement obligation  364,525  339,134 
Retirement benefits  320,044  307,880 
Other  449,476  294,409 
   1,874,855  1,770,170 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
             
  $6,466,751 $6,482,651 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these balance sheets.  
        
 
 
6367


OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $131,398 $102,715 $235,251 $266,148 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation  30,169  30,702  87,875  90,846 
Amortization of regulatory assets  126,439  103,211  347,880  317,030 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (43,929) (25,728) (107,750) (69,790)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization  11,867  11,914  30,530  33,766 
Amortization of lease costs  32,963  33,037  30,011  30,585 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (4,565) -  (8,556) - 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (17,787) (11,374) (22,929) (61,961)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  5,503  7,253  12,164  24,482 
Accrued compensation, net  1,254  1,106  (1,903) 5,138 
Pension trust contribution  -  (72,763) -  (72,763)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -             
Receivables  32,715  (86,506) 110,460  (10,734)
Materials and supplies  15,611  (2,930) (2,538) (8,796)
Prepayments and other current assets  2,988  4,878  (4,232) (1,636)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -             
Accounts payable  (20,007) 115,690  (105,234) 21,905 
Accrued taxes  41,365  (4,464) 60,443  (346,918)
Accrued interest  2,458  3,028  1,667  2,918 
Prepayment for electric service - education programs  -  -  136,142  - 
Other  (11,504) 2,572  1,372  (8,624)
Net cash provided from operating activities  336,938  212,341  800,653  211,596 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt  -  -  146,450  30,000 
Short-term borrowings, net  18,254  91,072  65,696  13,258 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock  -  -  (37,750) - 
Long-term debt  (17,819) (36,090) (278,327) (152,900)
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock  (64,000) (68,000) (241,000) (239,000)
Preferred stock  (659) (623) (1,976) (1,843)
Net cash used for financing activities  (64,224) (13,641) (346,907) (350,485)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (69,346) (61,682) (190,804) (146,645)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,885) (7,885) (23,655) (23,655)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  (200,021) (378,081) (258,561) 30,709 
Proceeds from certificates of deposit  -  277,763  -  277,763 
Other  4,155  (29,200) 18,944  113 
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (273,097) (199,085) (454,076) 138,285 
              
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (383) (385) (330) (604)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  1,283  1,664  1,230  1,883 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $900 $1,279 $900 $1,279 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Ohio Edison Company are an integral part of these 
statements.             
              
68



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Ohio Edison Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ohio Edison Company and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 7 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005

6469


OHIO EDISON COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


OE is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. OE and its wholly owned subsidiary, Penn, conduct business in portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric distribution services. The OE Companies also provide generation services to those customers electing to retain the OE Companies as their power supplier. The OE Companies provide power directly to wholesale customers under previously negotiated contracts, as well as to some alternative energy suppliers under OE’s transition plan. The OE Companies have unbundled the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges. Power supply requirements of the OE Companies are provided by FES -- an affiliated company.

Results of Operations
 
Earnings on common stock in the secondthird quarter of 2005 decreasedincreased to $46$131 million from $87$102 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The decreaseincrease in earnings resulted primarily resulted from increases inhigher operating revenues and lower purchased power and nuclear operating costs, partially offset by increases in regulatory asset amortization, general taxes and a one-time income tax charge, which were partially offset by lower purchased powerother operating costs and higher regulatory asset deferrals.income taxes. During the first sixnine months of 2005, earnings on common stock decreased to $103$233 million from $162$264 million in the same period of 2004. The decrease in earnings for the first halfnine months of 2005 primarily resulted from reduced operating revenues and other income, and increasedincreases in nuclear operating costs, regulatory asset amortization and thea one-time income tax charge.charge that occurred in the second quarter of 2005, as well as a decrease in other income. These reductions to earnings were partially offset by decreasedhigher operating revenues and lower fuel and purchased power costs, as well as, increased regulatory asset deferrals.costs.

Operating revenues decreasedincreased by $2$59 million or 0.2%7.8% in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the same period in 2004. LowerHigher revenues for the quarter primarily resulted from a $12 million decrease in wholesale sales, partially offset by increases inincreased retail generation and distribution revenues of $6$23 million and $5$33 million, respectively. During the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, operating revenues decreasedincreased by $19$41 million or 1.3%1.8%. LowerHigher revenues for the first halfnine months of 2005 were due to a $36 million decrease in wholesale sales, partially offset by increases in retail generation and distribution revenues of $12$36 million and $7$40 million, respectively.respectively, partially offset by a $37 million decrease in wholesale sales.

Lower wholesale revenues for the second quarter and the first sixnine months of 2005 reflected decreased sales to FES of $22$57 million (15.7%(12.1% KWH sales decrease) and $50 million (18.1% KWH sales decrease), respectively, due to reduced nuclear generation available for sale. The decreases indecreased sales to FES were partially offset by increased sales of $10$21 million and $14 million, respectively, to non-affiliated customers (including MSG sales). Under its Ohio transition plan, OE is required to provide MSG to non-affiliated alternative suppliers (see Outlook - Regulatory Matters).

Increased retail generation revenues for the secondthird quarter of 2005 resulted from increasedhigher sales to residential, commercial and commercialindustrial customers of $7$10 million, $2 million and $1$11 million, respectively, partially offset by a $2 million decrease in sales to industrial customers.respectively. The increased generation KWH sales to residential (12.2%(14.0%) and commercial (2.4%(6.1%) customers were due to warmer than normal temperatures in the secondthird quarter of 2005 which increased air-conditioning loads. Lower2005. Increased industrial revenues reflected a 6.7% decrease6.5% increase in generation KWH sales, partially offset by higher composite unit prices. The industrialsales. Partially offsetting the increase in residential KWH sales decrease resulted from increasedwas an increase in customer shopping. Generation services provided to industrialresidential customers by alternative suppliers as a percent of total industrialresidential sales delivered in OE’s service area increased by 2.61.2 percentage points compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004. ResidentialCommercial and commercialindustrial customer shopping remained relatively unchanged.

Retail generation revenues increased for the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 in all customer sectors (residential - $5$15 million, commercial - $4$7 million and industrial - $3$14 million). The higher residential and commercial revenues were due to increased generation KWH sales (residential - 3.3% and6.8%, commercial - 3.2%4.2% and industrial - 1.0%). The increase inResidential and industrial revenues reflected higher composite unit prices ($5 million),KWH sales increases were partially offset by a 1.6% decreaseincreases in generation KWH sales. Similar to the second quarter of 2005, industrial KWH sales decreased principally due to increased customer shopping (2.4by 1.1 and 1.7 percentage points, increase compared with the 2004 period),respectively, while residential and commercial customer shopping remained relatively unchanged.

Revenues from distribution throughput increased $5$33 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the same period in 2004. Distribution deliveries to residential, commercial and industrial customers increased $14by $26 million, $4 million and $3 million, respectively, due to an 11.4% increase inincreased KWH deliveries. The increases from distribution deliveries were partially offset by lower composite unit prices. Distribution revenues from commercial and industrial customers decreased by $3 million and $7 million, respectively, primarily due to lower composite unit prices. Lower unit prices in the commercial sector that reduced revenues by $5 million were partially offset by a 2.4% increase in KWH deliveries; industrial revenues decreased due to lower units prices ($4 million) and a 3.4% decrease in KWH deliveries. Residential and commercial KWH deliveries reflected warmer than normal temperatures in the second quarter of 2005.all sectors.
65


Revenues from distribution throughput increased $7$40 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same period in 2004 due to higher revenues from residential and commercial customers, partially offset by lower commercial and industrial sector revenues. Residential and commercial distribution revenues increased $13$40 million and $3 million, respectively, reflecting a 4.4% increase inhigher KWH deliveries. Commercialdeliveries partially offset by lower composite prices. Industrial distribution revenues declined slightly withdecreased by $3 million due to lower composite unit prices, partially offset by a 3.0% increase in KWH deliveries. Industrial distribution revenues decreased by $6 million reflecting lower composite unit prices, partially offset by a 1.6%an increase in KWH distribution deliveries.

70


Under the Ohio transition plan, OE provides incentives to customers to encourage switching to alternative energy providers. OE’s revenues were reduced by $1$3 million from additional credits in the secondthird quarter and $4$7 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods in 2004. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery from customers under OE’s transition plan and do not affect current period earnings (See Regulatory Matters below).

Changes in electric generationKWH sales and distribution deliveriesby customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 from the corresponding periods of 2004 are summarized in the following table:

  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  9.1% 3.9%
Wholesale  (1.2)% (9.4)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
4.0
%
 
(2.6
)%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  15.9% 8.3%
Commercial  6.3% 4.2%
Industrial  6.9% 3.4%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
9.8
%
 
5.3
%
        

      
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Three Months
 
Six Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  1.6% 1.4%
Wholesale  (9.8)% (13.6)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
(4.0
)%
 
(5.8
)%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  11.4% 4.4%
Commercial  2.4% 3.0%
Industrial  (3.4)% 1.6%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
2.8
%
 
3.0
%
        

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $39$29 million in the secondthird quarter and $28$57 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from the same periods of 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.

Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Three Months
 
Nine Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
Fuel costs $-- $(5)
Purchased power costs  (13) (27)
Nuclear operating costs  (5) 29 
Other operating costs  16  17 
Provision for depreciation  (1) (3)
Amortization of regulatory assets  23  31 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (18) (38)
General taxes  4  11 
Income taxes  23  42 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $29 $57 


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Three Months
 
Six Months
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
Fuel costs $(2$(5)
Purchased power costs  (10) (14)
Nuclear operating costs  18  34 
Other operating costs  4  2 
Provision for depreciation  1  (2)
Amortization of regulatory assets  10  8 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (14) (20)
General taxes  7  6 
Income taxes  25  19 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $39 $28 
        

Lower fuel costs in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the same periods of 2004, resulted from decreased nuclear generation - down 15.7% and 18.1%, respectively.12.1%. Purchased power costs were lower in both periods of 2005, reflecting lower unit costs and a reduction inpartially offset by higher KWH purchasedpurchases in the first halfthird quarter of 2005. KWH purchases were relatively unchanged in the second quarter.first nine months of 2005. Nuclear operating costs decreased in the third quarter of 2005 compared to the same quarter in 2004 primarily due to a decrease in non-fuel nuclear operating costs at Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2. Nuclear operating costs increased during the first nine months of 2005 primarily due to the costs from the Beaver Valley Unit 2 refueling outage (started April 4, 2005) and to a lesser extent from the Perry Unit 1 outage initiated in the first quarter of 2005 that was completed on May 6, 2005. There were no nuclear refueling outages in the same periods last year. The increaseincreases in other operating costs in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared to the same periods of 2004, resulted primarily from higher vegetation management costs and increased MISO transmission expenses, partially offset by lower employee benefits expenses.

Depreciation in the second quarter of 2005 was relatively unchanged compared to the second quarter of 2004. The decrease in depreciation expense in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004 was attributable to revised estimated service life assumptions for fossil generating plants.plants (see Note 3). Higher regulatory asset amortization in boththe three-month and nine-month periods was primarily due to increased amortization of transition costs being recovered under the Rate Stabilization Plan. Deferral of newRSP. Increases in regulatory assets decreased expenses by $13 million inasset deferrals for both the second quarter and the first six months of 2005 primarilyperiods resulted from the PUCO-approved MISOhigher shopping incentive deferrals and related interest beginning in($4 million and $11 million, respectively), and the second quarter of 2005 (seePUCO-approved MISO administrative cost deferrals and related interest ($14 million and $27 million, respectively, see Outlook - Regulatory Matters).
 
6671

 
General taxes increased in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004 primarily due to the effect of higher KWH sales which increased Ohio KWH excise taxes in both periods. The increase in the first nine months of 2005 also reflected the absence of a $6 million Pennsylvania property tax refund recordedrecognized in the second quarter of 2004.

Income taxes increased in the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004, primarily due to the effects of new tax legislation in Ohio (see Note 12 to consolidated financial statements).Ohio. On June 30, 2005, the State of Ohio enacted new tax legislation that createscreated a new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT),CAT tax, which is based on qualifying "taxable“taxable gross receipts"receipts” and will not consider any expenses or costs incurred to generate such receipts, except for items such as cash discounts, returns and allowances, and bad debts. The CAT tax iswas effective July 1, 2005, and replaces the Ohio income-based franchise tax and the Ohio personal property tax. The CAT tax is phased-in while the current income-based franchise tax is phased-out over a five-year period at a rate of 20% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005, and personal property tax is phased-out over a four-year period at a rate of approximately 25%, annually, beginning with the year ended 2005. During the phase-out period the Ohio income tax will be computed consistently with the prior tax law, except that the tax liability as computed will be multiplied by 4/5 in 2005; 3/5 in 2006; 2/5 in 2007 and 1/5 in 2008, therefore eliminating the current income-based franchise tax over a five-year period.

As a result of the new tax structure, all net deferred tax benefits that are not expected to reverse during the five-year phase-in period were written-off as of June 30, 2005. Accordingly, OE’sThe impact on income taxes associated with the required adjustment to net deferred taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was an additional tax expense increased byof approximately $36 million, for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005. Income tax expensewhich was reduced during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2005 by approximately $5 millionpartially offset by the initial phase-out of the Ohio income-based franchise tax, which reduced income tax.taxes by approximately $7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Other Income

Other income decreased $16$13 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004, primarily due to an $8.5 million civil penalty payable to the Department of Justice and a $10 million liability for environmental projects recognized in connection with the W.H. Sammis Plant settlement (see Outlook - Environmental Matters)., partially offset by higher nuclear decommissioning trust realized gains.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasingincreased by $0.4$4 million in the secondthird quarter and $2 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods of 2004, reflecting $200 millionincreased short-term borrowings from associated companies at a higher rate of debt redemptions since July 1, 2004.interest.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

OE’s cash requirements infor the remainder of 2005 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions are expected to be met without increasing OE’s net debt and preferred stock outstanding. Available borrowingBorrowing capacity under credit facilities will be usedis available to manage working capital requirements. Thereafter, OE expects to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, OE's cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1 million remained unchanged from its December 31, 2004 balance.2004.




6772

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash provided from operating activities during the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the corresponding periods in 2004 were as follows:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (1)
 $273 $224 $603 $607 
Pension trust contribution (2)
  --  (44) --  (44)
Working capital and other  64  32  198  (351
Total cash flows from operating activities $337 $212 $801 $212 
              
(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below). 
          
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $29 million of income tax benefits.
          

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (*)
 $144 $153 $329 $383 
Working capital and other  59  (253 140  (378
Total cash flows form operating activities $203 $(100$469 $5 
              
(*) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below). 
          

Cash earnings, as disclosed in the table above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. OE believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
Net income (GAAP) $47 $87 $104 $163  $131 $103 $235 $266 
Non-cash charges (credits):                        
Provision for depreciation  32  30  58  60   30 31 88 91 
Amortization of regulatory assets  110  100  221  214   126 103 348 317 
Amortization of lease costs  (36)  (35)  (3)  (2)   33 33 30 31 
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization  9  11  19  22   12 12 31 34 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (39)  (25)  (64)  (44)   (44) (26) (108) (70)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  19  (21)  (5)  (51)   (18 (40) (23) (91)
Other non-cash items  2  6  (1)  21   3  8  2  29 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $144 $153 $329 $383  $273 $224 $603 $607 
                       
 
Net cash provided from operating activities increased $303$125 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005, compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004, due to a $312$32 million increase from changes in working capital, partially offset bythe absence of a $9$44 million decreaseafter-tax voluntary pension trust contribution made in the third quarter of 2004 and a $49 million increase in cash earnings as described above and under "Results“Results from Operations". The increase in working capital primarily reflects net changes in accounts payable and accounts receivable to associated companies of $152 million and $136 million of funds received for prepaid electric service under the Energy for Education program.

Net cash from operating activities increased $464 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, due to a $518 million increase from changes in working capital, partially offset by a $54 million decrease in cash earnings as described above and under "Results from Operations"Operations”. The increase in working capital primarily reflects changes in accrued taxes of $362$46 million and $136 million of funds received for the Energy for Education program. The accrued taxes change includes(including a $249 million reallocation of tax liabilities among the FirstEnergy subsidiaries pursuant to the tax sharing agreementagreement), partially offset by changes in accounts payable and accounts receivable of $16 million.

Net cash provided from operating activities increased $589 million in the first nine months of 2005, compared with the same period in 2004, due to a $549 million increase from changes in working capital, the absence of a $44 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution made in the third quarter of 2004.2004, partially offset by a $4 million decrease in cash earnings as described above and under “Results from Operations”. The increase in working capital primarily reflects changes in accrued taxes of $407 million (including a $249 million reallocation of tax liabilities among the FirstEnergy subsidiaries pursuant to the tax sharing agreement) and $136 million of funds received for the Energy for Education program in the second quarter of 2005.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
Net cash used for financing activities increased to $250$64 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from $232$14 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increase primarily resulted from a $13$72 million increasedecrease in common stock dividends to FirstEnergynew short-term borrowings, partially offset by an $18 million decrease in redemptions and a $6 million increase in net debt and preferred stock redemptions.repayments. Net cash used for financing activities decreased to $283$347 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from $337$350 million in the same period of 2004. The decrease was due to a $60$169 million decreaseincrease in new debt and short term borrowings partially offset by a $163 million increase in net debt and preferred stock redemptions, partially offset by a $6 million increase in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy.redemptions.
 
73


On May 16, 2005, Penn redeemed all 127,500 outstanding shares of 7.625% preferred stock at $102.29 per share and all 250,000 outstanding shares of 7.75% preferred stock at $100 per share, including accrued dividends to the date of redemption.
68


OE had approximately $599$799 million of cash and temporary cash investments (which include short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $226$245 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. OE has authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including bank facilities and the utility money pool described below). Penn has authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to its charter limit of $49$51 million (including the utility money pool). In addition,

OES Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from OE. OES Capital can borrow up to $170 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, OES Capital would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to OE. As of September 30, 2005, the facility was drawn for $120 million.

Penn Power Funding LLC (Penn Funding), a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn, is a limited liability company whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from Penn. Penn Funding can borrow up to $25 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, Penn Funding would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to Penn. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the facility was drawn for $20 million.not drawn. On July 15, 2005, the facility was renewed until June 29, 2006. The annual facility fee is 0.25% on the entire finance limit.

On April 6, 2004, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and Ohio Water Development Authority pollution control bonds aggregating $100 million and $6.45 million, respectively, were refunded by OE. The new bonds were issued in a Dutch Auction interest rate mode, insured with municipal bond insurance and secured by FMB.

On July 1,As of October 24, 2005, Ohio Water Development Authority pollution control bonds aggregating $40 million were refunded by OE. The new bonds were issued in a Dutch Auction interest rate mode, insured with municipal bond insurance. OE provided FMB collateral to the bond insurer.

OE and Penn had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $1.8$1.1 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of their respective mortgage indentures.indentures following the recently completed intra-system transfer of fossil generating plants (see Note 17). The issuance of FMB by OE is also subject to provisions of its senior note indentures generally limiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, subject to certain exceptions that would permit, among other things, the issuance of secured debt (including FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, these provisions would permit OE to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $668$690 million as of June 30,October 24, 2005. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests in their respective charters, OE and Penn could issue a total of $2.5$2.8 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. It is estimated that the annualized impact of the intra-system transfer of fossil generating plants will reduce the aggregate capability of OE and Penn to issue preferred stock by approximately 17%.

On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing andor the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. OE's and Penn’s borrowing limits under the facility are $550 million. The facility replaced FirstEnergy’s $375 million and $1 billion three-year credit agreements and OE’s $125 million three-year credit agreement, as well as OE’s recently-expired $250 million two-year credit agreement.

OE and Penn have the ability to borrow from their regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet their short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50%.

OE’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook from the rating agencies on all such securities is positive.

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy Corp. and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and as its nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s rating outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in itstheir outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow.flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.
74

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
Net cash provided from investing activities totaled $48 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared with $332 million for the same period in 2004. The $284 million change for the second quarter resulted primarily from a $264 million decrease in loan repayments from associated companies and a decrease in property additions. During the first six months of 2005, net cash used for investing activities totaled $186 million compared to net cash provided from investing activities of $331increased by $74 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $592 million in the first nine months of 2005, from the same periodperiods of 2004. The $518 million changeThese increases resulted primarily from a $467$278 million position changein cash proceeds from receiving loan repayments from associated companies in 2004 to issuing loanscertificates of deposit during the third quarter 2004. Loans to associated companies decreased $178 million in the third quarter of 2005, partially offsetting the proceeds from certificates of deposit, and a $36increased $289 million increase in property additions.the first nine months of 2005.
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DuringIn the second halflast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions and capital leases are expected to be approximately $133 million, including $17 million for nuclear fuel.$82 million. OE has additional requirements of approximately $24$8 million to meet sinking fund requirements for preferred stock and maturing long-term debt (excluding Penn’s optional redemptions disclosed above) during the remainder of 2005. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements.
OE’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $667 million (excluding nuclear fuel), of which approximately $218$233 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers

On May 13, 2005, Penn, and on May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into certain agreements implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When fully completed, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies and Penn in FirstEnergy’s nuclear fuel duringand non-nuclear plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include OE’s leasehold interests in certain of the 2005-2007 periodplants that are estimatedcurrently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

On October 24, 2005, the OE Companies completed the transfer of non-nuclear generation assets to FGCO. The OE Companies currently expect to complete the transfer of nuclear generation assets to NGC through a spin-off by way of dividend before the end of 2005. Consummation of the nuclear transfer remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ and Penn’s restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO and the PPUC, respectively, under applicable Ohio and Pennsylvania electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn were required to be approximately $147 million,separated from the regulated delivery business of which about $35 million appliesthose companies through transfer to 2005. Duringa separate corporate entity. FENOC currently operates and maintains the same period, its nuclear fuel investments are expectedgeneration assets to be reducedtransferred. FGCO, as lessee under a Master Facility Lease, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets that it now owns. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by approximately $129 millionthe restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and $40 million,FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for OE's and Penn’s disclosure of the assets held for sale as the nuclear fuel is consumed.of September 30, 2005.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Obligations not included on OE’s Consolidated Balance Sheets primarily consist of sale and leaseback arrangements involving Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2. The present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, was $663$678 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Equity Price Risk
 
Included in OE’s nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $251$262 million and $248 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $25$26 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Changes in the fair value of these investments are recorded in OCI unless recognized as a result of a sale or recognized as regulatory assets or liabilities.


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Outlook
 
The electric industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of the OE Companies’ customers can select alternative energy suppliers. The OE Companies continue to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through their existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, the OE Companies have a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers

On May 13, 2005, Penn, and on May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into certain agreements described below (Agreements) implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When concluded, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies and Penn in FirstEnergy’s nuclear, fossil and hydroelectric plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include leasehold interests of CEI, TE and OE in plants that are currently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ and Penn’s restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO and the PPUC, respectively, under applicable Ohio and Pennsylvania electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leases the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

As contemplated by the Agreements, the Ohio Companies and Penn intend to transfer their respective interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through, in the case of OE and Penn, a spin-off by way of dividend and, in the case of CEI and TE, a sale at net book value. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred by the Ohio Companies and Penn at the values approved in the Ohio Transition Case.
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Consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Agreements is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the various asset transfers in the second half of 2005.

Regulatory Matters

In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of OE's customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, OE reduces the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the generation component (plus an incentive), and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. OE has continuing PLR responsibility to its franchise customers through December 31, 2008 unless the PUCO accepts future competitive bid results prior to the end of that period under the revised Rate Stabilization Plan. RSP.

As part of OE's transition plan, it is obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. OE is also required to provide 560 MW of low cost supply (MSG) to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within its service area. FES acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in OE's franchise area.

OE's Rate Stabilization Plan extends currentOn August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the RSP as modified and approved by the PUCO in an August 4, 2004 Entry on Rehearing, subject to a competitive bid process. The RSP was filed by the Ohio Companies to establish generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generationservice rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply at stabilized prices, and continues OE's supportuncertainty following the end of energy efficiency and economicthe Ohio Companies' transition plan market development efforts. Onperiod. In October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the original June 9, 2004 PUCO order andin this proceeding as well as the associated entries on rehearing. Other key components ofOn September 28, 2005, the Rate Stabilization Plan includeOhio Supreme Court heard oral argument on the following:appeals.

·Amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC for OE extends to as late as 2007;

·Deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and

·Ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On May 27, 2005, OE filed an application with the PUCO to establish a generation rate adjustmentGCAF rider under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. The application seeks to implement recovery of increased fuel costs from 2006 through 2008 applicable to OE’s retail customers through a tariff rider to be implemented January 1, 2006. The application reflects projected increases in fuel costs in 2006 compared to 2002 baseline costs. The new rider, after adjustments made in testimony, is seeking to recover all costs above the baseline.baseline (approximately $88 million in 2006 for all of the Ohio Companies). Various parties including the OCC have intervened in this case. OE has received discovery requests from the OCCcase and the PUCO staff. A procedural schedulecase has been established byconsolidated with the PUCO, with a hearing scheduled for October 4, 2005.RCP application discussed below.

On DecemberSeptember 9, 2004,2005, OE filed an application with the PUCO rejectedthat, if approved, would supplement its existing RSP with an RCP. On September 27, 2005, the auction price results from a required competitive bid processPUCO granted FirstEnergy's motion to consolidate the GCAF rider application with the RCP proceedings and issued an entry stating thatset hearings for the pricingconsolidated cases to begin November 29, 2005. The RCP is designed to provide customers with more certain rate levels than otherwise available under the approved Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect onRSP during the plan period, and to provide OE with financial results generally comparable to those attained under the RSP. Major provisions of the RCP include:

·    Maintain the existing level of base distribution rates through December 31, 2008 for OE;

·    Defer and capitalize certain distribution costs to be incurred by all of the Ohio Companies during
    the period January 1, 2006. The2006 through December 31, 2008, not to exceed $150 million in each of the
    three years;

·    Adjust the RTC and extended RTC recovery periods and rate levels so that full recovery of
    authorized costs will occur as of December 31, 2008 for OE;

·    Reduce the deferred shopping incentive balance as of January 1, 2006 by up to $75 million for OE
    by accelerating the application of its accumulated cost of removal regulatory liability; and

·    Recover increased fuel costs of up to $75 million, $77 million, and $79 million, in 2006, 2007, and
    2008, respectively, from all OE and TE distribution and transmission customers through a fuel
    recovery mechanism. OE may defer and capitalize increased fuel costs above the amount
    collected through the fuel recovery mechanism.
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Under provisions of the RSP, the PUCO may require OE to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. On July 22, 2005, FirstEnergy filed a competitive bid process for the period beginning in 2007 that is similar to the competitive bid process approved by the PUCO for OE in 2004.2004, which resulted in the PUCO accepting no bids. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP pricing, but notwith no accounting impacts to the related approved accounting,RSP, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination. On September 28, 2005, the PUCO issued an Entry that essentially approved the Ohio Companies' filing but delayed the proposed timing of the competitive bid process by four months, calling for the auction to be held on March 21, 2006.

On December 30, 2004, OE filed with the PUCO two applications related to the recovery of transmission and ancillary service related costs. The first application seeks recovery of these costs beginning January 1, 2006. At the time of filing the application, these costs were estimated to be approximately $14 million per year; however, OE anticipates that this amount will increase. OE requested that these costs be recovered through a rider that would be effective on January 1, 2006 and adjusted thereafter each July 1.1 thereafter. OE reached a settlement with OCC, PUCO staff, Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and OPAE. The only other party in this proceeding, Dominion Retail, Inc., agreed not to oppose the settlement. This settlement, which was filed with the PUCO on July 22, 2005, provides for the rider recovery requested by OE, with carrying charges applied in the subsequent year’s rider for any over or under collection while the then-current rider is in effect. IfThe PUCO approved the settlement stipulation is approved by the PUCO, the actual amountson August 31, 2005. The incremental Transmission and Ancillary service revenues expected to be recovered from January through June 2006 are approximately $30.6 million. This value includes the January 1,recovery of the 2005 deferred MISO expenses as described below. In May 2006, riderOE will be submittedfile a modification to the PUCO on or before November 1, 2005.rider which will determine revenues from July 2006 through June 2007.



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The second application seeks authority to defer costs associated with transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the PUCO granted the accounting authority for OE to defer incremental transmission and ancillary service-related charges incurred as a participant in the MISO, but only for those costs incurred during the period December 30, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Deferral of allPermission to defer costs incurred prior to December 31, 2004 was denied. The PUCO also authorized OE to accrue carrying charges on the deferred balances. An application filed with the PUCO to recover these deferred charges over a five-year period through the rider, beginning in 2006, is pending.was approved in a PUCO order issued on August 31, 2005 approving the stipulation referred to above. The OCC, OPAE and OE each filed applications for rehearing. OE sought authority to defer the transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period October 1, 2003 through December 29, 2004, while both OCC and OPAE sought to have the PUCO deny deferral of all costs. On July 6, 2005, the PUCO denied OE's and OCC’s applications and, at the request of OE, struck as untimely OPAE’s application. OE and theThe OCC have sixty days from that date to filefiled a notice of appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Court on August 31, 2005. On September 30, 2005, in accordance with appellate procedure, the PUCO filed with the Ohio Supreme Court the record in this case. The Companies’ brief will be due thirty days after the OCC files its brief, which, absent any time extensions, must be filed no later than November 9, 2005.

OE and Penn record as regulatory assets costs which have been authorized by the PUCO, the PPUC and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, the costs would have been charged to income when incurred. OE’s regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, were $0.9$0.8 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. OE is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with its transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets total $274$302 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and, under the RSP, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery ofSee Note 14 “Regulatory Matters - Ohio” for the new regulatory assets will begin at that time andestimated net amortization of regulatory transition costs and deferred shopping incentive balances under the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period.proposed RCP and current RSP. Penn's net regulatory asset components aggregate as net regulatory liabilities of approximately $37$48 million and $18 million, and are included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively.

On October 11, 2005, Penn filed a plan with the PPUC to secure electricity supply for its customers at set rates following the end of its transition period on December 31, 2006. Penn is recommending that the Request for Proposal process cover the period of January 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Under Pennsylvania's electric competition law, Penn is required to secure generation supply for customers who do not choose alternative suppliers for their electricity.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio and Pennsylvania and a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC, that impact Penn.

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Environmental Matters

OE accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in OE's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulation to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2). in all cases from the 2003 levels. The OE Companies’ Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fuel generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOx emissions. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the OE Companies operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the “Clean Air Mercury Rule,” which provides for a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. The futureHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.



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W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities coveringalleging violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)DOJ filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, including a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. On March 18, 2005, OE and Penn announced that they had reached a settlement with the EPA, the DOJ and three states (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) that resolved all issues related to the W. H. Sammis Plant New Source Review litigation. This settlement agreement, which is in the form of a Consent Decree, that was approved by the Court on July 11, 2005, requires OE and Penn to reduce NOx and SO2emissions fromat the W. H. Sammis Plant and other coal-fired plants through the installation of pollution control devices requiring capitaldevices. Capital expenditures necessary to meet those requirements are currently estimated to be $1.1$1.5 billion (primarily(the primary portion of which is expected to be spent in the 2008 to 2011 time period). The settlement agreement also requires OE and Penn to spend up to $25 million toward environmentally beneficial projects, which include wind energy purchasepurchased power agreements over a 20-year term. OE and Penn agreed to pay a civil penalty of $8.5 million. Results for the first quarter of 2005 included the penalties payable by OE and Penn of $7.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. OE and Penn also recognized liabilities of $9.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for probable future cash contributions toward environmentally beneficial projects during the first quarter of 2005.


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Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gasesGHG emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gasGHG intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

The OE Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by the OE Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the OE Companies' diversified generation sources which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to OE's normal business operations pending against OE and its subsidiaries. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
 
 
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Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seekingFirstEnergy companies also are defending six separate complaint cases before the PUCO relating to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All threeoutage. Two such cases were originally filed in Ohio State courts but subsequently dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two of theseIn both such cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seeksought to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. BothOf the four other pending PUCO complaint cases, three were filed by various insurance carriers either in their own name as subrogees or in the name of their insured. In each such case, the carriers seek reimbursement against various FirstEnergy companies (and, in one case, against PJM, MISO and American Electric Power Co. as well) for claims they paid to their insureds allegedly due to the loss of power on August 14, 2003. The listed insureds in these cases, in many instances, are otherwise currently pending further proceedings.not customers of any FirstEnergy company. The fourth case involves the claim of a non-customer seeking reimbursement for losses incurred when its store was burglarized on August 14, 2003. In addition to the twothese six cases, that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken for any of these cases.

One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years.years and the licensee's failure to take prompt and effective corrective action. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which the OE Companies have a 35.24% interest (however, see Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which will include owned portions of the plant).

On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forummeeting to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives althougheven though it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004.oversight. During the public forummeeting and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix.

On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and OE, and the Davis-Besse extended outage (OE has no interest in Davis-Besse), have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. On August 24, 2005 additional information was requested regarding Davis-Besse. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.
 
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On August 22, 2005, a class action complaint was filed against OE in Jefferson County, Ohio Common Pleas Court seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at trial based on claims of negligence and eight other tort counts alleging damages from the W.H. Sammis Plant air emissions. The two named plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief to eliminate harmful emissions and repair property damage and the institution of a medical monitoring program for class members.

The City of Huron filed a complaint against OE with the PUCO challenging the ability of electric distribution utilities to collect transition charges from a customer of a newly formed municipal electric utility. The complaint was filed on May 28, 2003, and OE timely filed its response on June 30, 2003. In a related filing, the Ohio Companies filed for approval with the PUCO of a tariff that would specifically allow the collection of transition charges from customers of municipal electric utilities formed after 1998. An adverse ruling could negatively affect full recovery of transition charges by the utility. Hearings on the matter were held in August 2005. Initial briefs from all parties were filed on September 22, 2005 and reply briefs were filed on October 14, 2005. It is unknown when the PUCO will rule on this case.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matter,matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13,”Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty”
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, OE will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination”
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with the OE current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the second period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, OE will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. OE is currently evaluating the effect this standard will have on its financial statements.



81


 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. OE will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

 
FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement ObligationsSFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an interpretationamendment of FASB StatementAPB Opinion No. 143"29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability,exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the obligation isfuture cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be recognized in the second period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore,applied prospectively. As a result, OE will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. OE is currently evaluating the effect this standard willStatement effective January 1, 2006, and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In MarchNovember 2004, the EITF reached a consensusFASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the application guidancenormal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for Issue 03-1.inventory costs incurred by OE beginning January 1, 2006. OE is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

FSP FAS 115-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments”

In September 2005, the FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. OE is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, OE continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



7582




THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
                      
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                      
 
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
   
June 30,
  
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
   
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
   
2005
 
2004
 
 
 (In thousands)
  
(In thousands) 
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                      
                      
OPERATING REVENUES
 $448,747 $440,876   $881,920 $867,411  $526,421 $504,848   $1,408,341 $1,372,259 
                        
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                        
Fuel  21,110 19,376   39,437 36,572   24,701 21,011   64,138 57,583 
Purchased power  138,842 136,505   281,726 271,182   129,640 140,988   411,366 412,170 
Nuclear operating costs  36,786 18,521   95,513 51,236   26,252 28,766   121,765 80,002 
Other operating costs  74,711 79,634   138,284 143,661   89,475 76,196   227,759 219,857 
Provision for depreciation  33,387 32,776   64,502 64,964   36,100 33,096   100,602 98,060 
Amortization of regulatory assets  55,016 50,022   109,042 98,090   68,455 53,732   177,497 151,822 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (40,701) (32,956)   (65,989) (51,436)  (60,519) (40,596)  (126,508) (92,032)
General taxes  36,605 34,480   75,492 73,298   40,054 37,348   115,546 110,646 
Income taxes  34,734  25,161    39,611  29,174   55,286  51,883    94,897  81,057 
Total operating expenses and taxes   390,490  363,519    777,618  716,741   409,444  402,424    1,187,062  1,119,165 
                        
OPERATING INCOME
  58,257  77,357    104,302  150,670   116,977  102,424    221,279  253,094 
                        
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  9,270  9,494    13,574  21,221   24,117  8,264    37,691  29,485 
                        
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                        
Interest on long-term debt  28,410 36,695   56,362 68,906   27,090 24,061   83,452 92,967 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (1,294) (1,015)   (883) (2,726)  (1,129) (1,056)  (2,012) (3,782)
Other interest expense  1,742  1,446    8,256  7,511   4,696  5,239    12,952  12,750 
Net interest charges   28,858  37,126    63,735  73,691   30,657  28,244    94,392  101,935 
                        
NET INCOME
  38,669 49,725   54,141 98,200   110,437 82,444   164,578 180,644 
                        
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  -  1,755    2,918  3,499   -  1,754    2,918  5,253 
                        
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $38,669 $47,970   $51,223 $94,701  $110,437 $80,690   $161,660 $175,391 
                        
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
                        
NET INCOME
 $38,669 $49,725   $54,141 $98,200  $110,437 $82,444   $164,578 $180,644 
                        
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                        
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  (1,349) (10,371)   (2,570) (2,323)
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income  419  4,248    923  952 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  (6,574) 991   (9,144) (1,332)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  (2,510) 406    (3,433) (546)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (930) (6,123)    (1,647) (1,371)  (4,064) 585    (5,711) (786)
                        
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $37,739 $43,602   $52,494 $96,829  $106,373 $83,029   $158,867 $179,858 
                        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are anThe preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are an The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are an  
integral part of these statements.                        
            
 
 
 
7683

 

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands) 
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $4,498,876 $4,418,313 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  2,020,868  1,961,737 
   2,478,008  2,456,576 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  90,911  85,258 
Nuclear fuel  8,632  30,827 
   99,543  116,085 
   2,577,551  2,572,661 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lessor notes  564,169  596,645 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  427,920  383,875 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  8,774  97,489 
Other  16,028  17,001 
   1,016,891  1,095,010 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  207  197 
Receivables-       
Customers (less accumulated provision of $5,309,000 for uncollectible accounts in 2005)  255,769  11,537 
Associated companies  19,883  33,414 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $6,000 and $293,000, respectively,  9,651  152,785 
for uncollectible accounts)        
Notes receivable from associated companies  -  521 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  72,506  58,922 
Prepayments and other  2,769  2,136 
   360,785  259,512 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  1,688,966  1,693,629 
Regulatory assets  889,127  958,986 
Property taxes  77,792  77,792 
Other  29,995  32,875 
   2,685,880  2,763,282 
  $6,641,107 $6,690,465 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity-       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 105,000,000 shares -       
79,590,689 shares outstanding  $1,356,998 $1,281,962 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  12,148  17,859 
Retained earnings  574,394  553,740 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,943,540  1,853,561 
Preferred stock  -  96,404 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  1,939,730  1,970,117 
   3,883,270  3,920,082 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  75,706  76,701 
Short-term borrowings-       
Associated companies  518,784  488,633 
Other  35,000  - 
Accounts payable-       
Associated companies  33,802  150,141 
Other  6,702  9,271 
Accrued taxes  156,630  129,454 
Accrued interest  27,242  22,102 
Lease market valuation liability  60,200  60,200 
Other  39,094  61,131 
   953,160  997,633 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  552,072  540,211 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  58,736  60,901 
Lease market valuation liability  623,100  668,200 
Asset retirement obligation  280,765  272,123 
Retirement benefits  86,597  82,306 
Other  203,407  149,009 
   1,804,677  1,772,750 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
             
  $6,641,107 $6,690,465 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are     
an integral part of these balance sheets.       
        


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $4,497,877 $4,418,313 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  2,000,871  1,961,737 
   2,497,006  2,456,576 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  79,897  85,258 
Nuclear fuel  4,330  30,827 
   84,227  116,085 
   2,581,233  2,572,661 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lessor notes  564,172  596,645 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  401,610  383,875 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  7,546  97,489 
Other  15,945  17,001 
   989,273  1,095,010 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  207  197 
Receivables-       
Customers (less accumulated provision of $4,510,000 for uncollectible accounts in 2005)  255,422  11,537 
Associated companies  29,279  33,414 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $19,000 and $293,000, respectively,       
for uncollectible accounts)   11,109  152,785 
Notes receivable from associated companies  23,537  521 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  87,713  58,922 
Prepayments and other  1,948  2,136 
   409,215  259,512 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  1,693,629  1,693,629 
Regulatory assets  902,137  958,986 
Property taxes  77,792  77,792 
Other  36,471  32,875 
   2,710,029  2,763,282 
  $6,689,750 $6,690,465 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity-       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 105,000,000 shares -       
79,590,689 shares outstanding  $1,356,983 $1,281,962 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  16,212  17,859 
Retained earnings  480,957  553,740 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,854,152  1,853,561 
Preferred stock  -  96,404 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  1,948,083  1,970,117 
   3,802,235  3,920,082 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  75,694  76,701 
Short-term borrowings-       
Associated companies  404,290  488,633 
Other  155,000  - 
Accounts payable-       
Associated companies  191,959  150,141 
Other  5,733  9,271 
Accrued taxes  122,675  129,454 
Accrued interest  21,782  22,102 
Lease market valuation liability  60,200  60,200 
Other  43,841  61,131 
   1,081,174  997,633 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  543,554  540,211 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  58,241  60,901 
Asset retirement obligation  281,206  272,123 
Retirement benefits  84,428  82,306 
Lease market valuation liability  638,100  668,200 
Other  200,812  149,009 
   1,806,341  1,772,750 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $6,689,750 $6,690,465 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are       
an integral part of these balance sheets.       
 
 
 
7784

 
 


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $38,669 $49,725 $54,141 $98,200 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   33,387  32,776  64,502  64,964 
Amortization of regulatory assets   55,016  50,022  109,042  98,090 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (40,701) (32,956) (65,989) (51,436)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization   6,171  7,509  10,781  12,616 
Amortization of electric service obligation   (4,672) (4,818) (10,123) (9,541)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability   (222) (223) (53,691) (41,858)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   8,956  2,412  4,450  (1,627)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   2,600  2,314  2,122  8,046 
Accrued compensation, net   230  476  (2,495) 1,929 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-              
 Receivables  (182,964) (33,923) (98,074) 109,843 
 Materials and supplies  (6,455) (3,118) (28,791) (5,473)
 Prepayments and other current assets  (439) 2  188  1,897 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-              
 Accounts payable  (958) (80,735) 38,280  (58,348)
 Accrued taxes  14,419  31,061  (6,779) (36,865)
 Accrued interest  (12,351) (7,392) (320) 847 
Prepayment for electric service - education programs   67,589  -  67,589  - 
Other   (4,513) (7,070) (7,871) (36,858)
 Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities  (26,238) 6,062  76,962  154,426 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing-             
Long-term debt   53,284  -  53,284  80,908 
Short-term borrowings, net   88,557  101,255  58,874  - 
Equity contributions from parent    75,000  -  75,000  - 
Redemptions and Repayments-             
Preferred stock   (4,000) -  (101,900) - 
Long-term debt   (56,600) (175) (56,930) (8,101)
Short-term borrowings, net   -  -  -  (80,912)
Dividend Payments-             
Common stock   (69,000) (90,000) (124,000) (145,000)
Preferred stock   -  (1,754) (2,260) (3,498)
 Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities  87,241  9,326  (97,932) (156,603)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (26,561) (20,861) (60,244) (38,729)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  (23,861) 13,736  66,927  10,814 
Investments in lessor notes  3  -  32,473  20,965 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,256) (7,256) (14,512) (14,512)
Other  (3,328) (1,007) (3,664) (943)
 Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (61,003) (15,388) 20,980  (22,405)
              
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  10  (24,582)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  207  200  197  24,782 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $207 $200 $207 $200 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are an   
integral part of these statements.             
              

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $110,437 $82,444 $164,578 $180,644 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   36,100  33,096  100,602  98,060 
Amortization of regulatory assets   68,455  53,732  177,497  151,822 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (60,519) (40,596) (126,508) (92,032)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization   8,236  7,804  19,017  20,420 
Amortization of electric service obligation   (2,155) (3,336) (12,278) (12,877)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability   (13,439) (14,324) (67,130) (56,182)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   10,484  13,019  14,934  11,392 
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   2,169  2,854  4,291  10,900 
Accrued compensation, net   1,201  1,303  (1,294) 3,232 
Pension trust contribution   -  (31,718) -  (31,718)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-              
 Receivables  10,507  (3,422) (87,567) 106,421 
 Materials and supplies  15,207  (2,238) (13,584) (7,711)
 Prepayments and other current assets  (821) 1,512  (633) 3,409 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-              
 Accounts payable  (157,188) 60,237  (118,908) 1,889 
 Accrued taxes  33,955  (15,630) 27,176  (52,495)
 Accrued interest  5,460  (3,218) 5,140  (2,371)
Prepayment for electric service - education programs   -  -  67,589  - 
Other   (18,457) (3,335) (26,328) (40,193)
 Net cash provided from operating activities  49,632  138,184  126,594  292,610 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing-             
Long-term debt   87,772  44,330  141,056  125,238 
Short-term borrowings, net   -  213,682  53,369  132,770 
Equity contributions from parent    -  -  75,000  - 
Redemptions and Repayments-             
Preferred stock   -  (1,000) (101,900) (1,000)
Long-term debt   (90,859) (327,171) (147,789) (335,272)
Short-term borrowings, net   (5,505) -  -  - 
Dividend Payments-             
Common stock   (17,000) -  (141,000) (145,000)
Preferred stock   -  (1,755) (2,260) (5,253)
 Net cash used for financing activities  (25,592) (71,914) (123,524) (228,517)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (37,809) (32,238) (98,053) (70,967)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  22,309  (850) 89,236  9,964 
Investments in lessor notes  3  (11,699) 32,476  9,266 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,256) (7,256) (21,768) (21,768)
Other  (1,287) (14,227) (4,951) (15,170)
 Net cash used for investing activities  (24,040) (66,270) (3,060) (88,675)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  10  (24,582)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  207  200  197  24,782 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $207 $200 $207 $200 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company are an  
integral part of these statements.             
              



7885



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 6 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005

7986


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


CEI is a wholly owned, electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. CEI conducts business in portions of Ohio, providing regulated electric distribution services. CEI also provides generation services to those customers electing to retain CEI as their power supplier. CEI provides power directly to alternative energy suppliers under CEI’s transition plan. CEI has unbundled the price of electricity into its component elements -- including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges. Power supply requirements of CEI are provided by FES -- an affiliated company.

Results of Operations
 
Earnings on common stock in the secondthird quarter of 2005 decreasedincreased to $39$110 million from $48$81 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005. Increased earnings in the third quarter of 2005 resulted primarily from higher operating revenues and lower purchased power costs, which were partially offset by higher regulatory asset amortization and higher other operating costs. For the first sixnine months of 2005, earnings on common stock decreased to $51$162 million from $95$175 million in the same period of 2004. The decrease inLower earnings in bothfor the first nine months of 2005 periodsresulted primarily resulted from increases inhigher nuclear operating costs, purchased power costs,higher regulatory asset amortization and other operating costs and a one-time income tax charge, whichcharge; those effects were partially offset by higherincreased operating revenues increased regulatory asset deferrals and lower net interest charges.

Operating revenues increased by $8$22 million or 1.8%4.3% in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from the same period in 2004. Higher revenues for the quarterresulted primarily resulted from increases in retail generation and distribution revenues of $4$3 million and $10$19 million, respectively, partially offset byand a $3$5 million decreaseincrease in revenues from wholesale sales. During the first sixnine months of 2005, operating revenues increased by $36 million or 2.6%, compared to the same period in 2004, operating revenues increased by $15 million or 1.7%.2004. Higher revenues for the first half of 2005 were due to increases in retail generation and distribution revenues of $10$13 million and $5$23 million, respectively, partially offset byand a $3$2 million reductionincrease in revenues from wholesale sales.

Increased retail generation revenues for the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2005 resulted from higher commercial and industrial unit prices and higher residential KWH sales, partially offset by lower industrialunit prices and KWH sales. A 16.8%sales for commercial customers. An 18.7% increase in residential KWH sales during the secondthird quarter was primarily due to warmer weather in CEI's service area, as compared to last year. AAn increase in residential customer shopping by 1.7 percentage points in the third quarter of 2005 partially offset the higher generation KWH sales as compared to 2004. Increased retail generation revenues for the first nine months of 2005 resulted from higher industrial unit prices and higher residential KWH sales, partially offset by lower commercial and industrial KWH sales. The decrease in residential customer shopping by 4.1 percentage points in the second quarter and 2.10.7 percentage points in the first sixnine months of 2005 also contributed slightly to the higher generation KWH sales for eachthe period as compared to 2004.last year.

Revenue from wholesale sales decreasedincreased by $3$5 million during the secondthird quarter of 2005, reflecting the effect of a 7.5% net decrease2.5% increase in KWH sales. The increase in wholesale sales was primarily due to a 13.6% KWH increase in MSG sales to non-affiliated wholesale customers ($3.5 million). Under its Ohio transition plan, CEI is required to provide MSG to non-affiliated alternative suppliers (see Outlook - Regulatory Matters). Sales to FES decreased by $12 million (10.6% KWH decrease) due to a decrease in nuclear generation available for sale. The decrease inIncreased sales to FES was partially offset by a $9of $1.5 million increase in MSG sales to non-affiliated wholesale customers (29.7%(1.3% KWH increase) duringalso contributed to the secondthird quarter of 2005.results. In the first sixnine months of 2005, wholesale sales revenue decreasedincreased by $3 million, reflecting the effect of a 5.4% net decrease in KWH sales.$2 million. A decrease in sales to FES of $20 million (8.9% KWH decrease) was partially offset by a $17 million increase (33.9%(23.0% KWH increase) in MSG sales to non-affiliated wholesale customers.customers was partially offset by an $18 million decrease in sales (6.7% KWH decrease) to FES.

Revenues from distribution throughput increased $10$19 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the same quarter of 2004. The increase was due to higher residential and commercialindustrial revenues ($1318 million and $3$5 million, respectively), reflecting increased distribution deliveries in the secondthird quarter of 2005, in part due to warmer weather. These increases were partially offset by lower industrialcommercial revenues of $6$4 million as a result of lower unit prices and decreases in KWH sales.prices.

Revenues from distribution throughput increased $5$23 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same period in 2004 due to higher revenues in the residential sector ($928 million) and commercial ($5 million) sectors,, partially offset by lower industrial revenues ($94 million). Higher distribution deliveries in the residential and commercial sectorssector were partially offset by lower unit prices and decreases indecreased KWH salesdeliveries to industrial customers. Revenues in the industrial sector.commercial sector increased slightly ($0.4 million) as higher distribution deliveries were almost totally offset by lower unit prices.



8087



Changes in electric generationKWH sales and distribution deliveriesby customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 from the corresponding periods of 2004 are summarized in the following table:
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  0.6% (0.3)%
Wholesale  2.5% (4.0)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
1.7
%
 
(2.5
)%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  18.7% 9.7%
Commercial  1.5% 3.3%
Industrial  2.8% (1.0)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
6.6
%
 
2.9
%
        

  
Three
 
Six
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  (0.9)% (0.8)%
Wholesale  (7.5)% (5.4)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
(4.8
)%
 
(3.4
)%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  16.8% 5.0%
Commercial  3.1% 4.3%
Industrial  (3.4)% (2.9)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
3.0
%
 
1.0
%
        

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $27$7 million in the secondthird quarter and $61$68 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from the same periods of 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.

          
 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Fuel costs $2 $3  $3 $6 
Purchased power costs  2 10   (11) (1)
Nuclear operating costs  18 44   (2) 42 
Other operating costs  (5) (5)  13 8 
Provision for depreciation  1 -   3 3 
Amortization of regulatory assets  5 11   15 26 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (8 (15  (20) (35
General taxes  2  2   3  5 
Income taxes  10  11   3  14 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $27 $61  $7 $68 
            


Higher fuel costs in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, compared to the same periods last year, were primarily due to increased fossil fuel expenses associated with higher fossil generation levels in 2005. Lower purchased power costs in the secondthird quarter of 2005, compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004, reflected higherboth lower unit costs partially offset byand lower KWH purchased. Higher purchased powerThe increase in nuclear operating costs in the first sixnine months of 2005, compared to the same period last year, reflected both higher unit costs and higher KWH purchased. The increase in nuclear operating costs in the second quarter and first six months of 2005, compared to the same periods of 2004, was primarily due to a refueling outage (including an unplanned extension) at the Perry Plant in 2005 and a refueling outage at Beaver Valley Unit 2. A mid-cycle inspection outage at the Davis-Besse Plant in the first quarter of 2005 also contributed to higher nuclear operating costs in the first sixnine months of 2005. There were no scheduled outages in the first sixnine months of 2004. Higher other operating costs in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, compared to the same periods last year, were primarily due to transmission expenses related to MISO Day 2 transactions that began on April 1, 2005.

Higher regulatory asset amortization in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared to the same periods last year, was primarily due to increased amortization of transition costs being recovered under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. Increases in regulatory asset deferrals for both the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months in 2005, as compared to the same periods in 2004, resulted from higher shopping incentive deferrals and related interest, and the PUCO-approved MISO administrative cost deferrals, including interest, beginningthat began in the second quarter of 2005 (see Outlook - Regulatory Matters).

On June 30, 2005, the State of Ohio enacted new tax legislation that createscreated a new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT),CAT tax, which is based on qualifying "taxable“taxable gross receipts"receipts” and will not consider any expenses or costs incurred to generate such receipts, except for items such as cash discounts, returns and allowances, and bad debts. The CAT tax iswas effective July 1, 2005, and replaces the Ohio income-based franchise tax and the Ohio personal property tax. The CAT tax is phased-in while the current income-based franchise tax is phased-out over a five-year period at a rate of 20% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005, and personal property tax is phased-out over a four-year period at a rate of 25% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005. For example, during the phase-out period the Ohio income-based franchise tax will be computed consistently with prior tax law, except that the tax liability as computed will be multiplied by 4/5 in 2005; 3/5 in 2006; 2/5 in 2007 and 1/5 in 2008, therefore eliminating the current income-based franchise tax over a five-year period. As a result of the new tax structure, all net deferred tax benefits that are not expected to reverse during the five-year phase-in period were written-off as of June 30, 2005. The impact on income taxes associated with the required adjustment to net deferred taxesnew tax legislation for the second quarterfirst nine months of 2005 was additional tax expense of approximately $8 million which was partially offset byto adjust net deferred taxes and $2 million associated with the phase-out of the Ohio income tax which reduced income taxes by approximately $1 million in the second quarter of 2005.income-based franchise tax. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

8188


Other Income

Other income increased by $16 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004, primarily due to higher nuclear decommissioning trust realized gains.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasingin the first nine months of 2005 decreased by $8 million in the second quarter and $10 million in the first six months of 2005 fromcompared with the same periodsperiod last year, reflecting the effects of net redemptions and refinancings of $286 million and $100 million, respectively, since JulyOctober 1, 2004.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

CEI’s cash requirements infor the remainder of 2005 for operating expenses and construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities are expected to be met without increasing net debt. Thereafter, CEI expects to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, CEI had $207,000 of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $197,000 as of December 31, 2004. The major sources of changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities during the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the corresponding periods in 2004, were as follows:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (*)
 $100 $107 $113 $179 
Working capital and other  (126 (101 (36 (25)
Total cash flows form operating activities $(26$6 $77 $154 
              
(*) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
             
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (1)
 $161 $123 $274 $302 
Pension trust contribution (2)
  --  (19) --  (19)
Working capital and other  (111) 35  (147) 10 
Total cash flows from operating activities $50 $139 $127 $293 
              
(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2) Pension contribution net of $13 million of income tax benefits
             

Cash earnings, (inas disclosed in the table above)above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. CEI believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $39 $50 $54 $98 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  34  33  65  65 
Amortization of regulatory assets  55  50  109  98 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (41 (33 (66 (51
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization  7  8  11  13 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (5 (6 (10 (10
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  (1 -  (54 (42
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  9  2  5  (2
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  3  2  2  8 
Accrued compensation, net  -  1  (3 2 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $100 $107 $113 $179 
              
89



  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $110 $83 $164 $181 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  36  33  101  98 
Amortization of regulatory assets  68  54  177  152 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (60) (41 (126) (92
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization  8  7  19  20 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (2) (3 (12) (13
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability  (13) (14 (67) (56
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  10  --  15  (2)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations  2  3  4  11 
Accrued compensation, net  2  1  (1) 3 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $161 $123 $274 $302 
              

82


The decreaseincrease in cash earnings of $7$38 million for the secondthird quarter and $66the decrease of $28 million for the first sixnine months of 2005, as compared to the respective periods of 2004, are described above under "Results of Operations". The largestprimary factors contributing to the changes in working capital and other operating cash flows for the secondthird quarter of 2005 are changes in accounts payable of $217 million, partially offset by changes in accrued taxes of $50 million. The primary factors contributing to the changes in working capital and other for the first sixnine months of 2005 are increaseschanges in accounts receivable related toof $194 million and accounts payable of $121 million, partially offset by changes in accrued taxes of $80 million and the conversion$68 million received in the second quarter of the CFC receivables financing ($155 million) to on-balance sheet transactions, offset in part by funds received2005 for prepaid electric service under the Ohio Schools Council’s Energy for Education Program and changes in accounts payable.Program.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
Net cash provided fromused for financing activities increased $78decreased $46 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increasedecrease resulted from a $75$62 million equity contribution from FirstEnergy and lowerdecrease in net debt redemptions, partially offset by higher common stock dividends to FirstEnergy of $21 million, partially offset by a $20 million increase in net debt redemptions.

$17 million. Net cash used for financing activities decreased $59$105 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from the same period last year. The decrease resulted primarily from lower net debt redemptions and common stock dividends to FirstEnergy and a $75 million equity contribution from FirstEnergy in the second quarter of 2005, lower common stock dividends to FirstEnergy and an increase in short-term financing, partially offset by an increase in preferred stock redemptions.

CEI had $207,000 of cash and temporary investments and approximately $559$554 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. CEI has obtained authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including the utility money pool described below). As of October 24, 2005, CEI had the capability to issue $1.3$1.6 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of its mortgage indenture.indenture following the recently completed intra-system transfer of fossil and hydroelectric generating plants (See Note 17). The issuance of FMB by CEI is subject to a provision of its senior note indenture generally limiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, subject to certain exceptions that would permit, among other things, the issuance of secured debt (including FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, this provision would permit CEI to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $570$582 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. CEI has no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

On April 20, 2005, Beaver County Industrial Development Authority pollution control bonds aggregating $53.9 million were refunded by CEI. The new bonds were issued inCFC is a Dutch Auction interest rate mode, insured with municipal bond insurance andwholly owned subsidiary of CEI whose borrowings are secured by FMB.

On May 1,customer accounts receivable purchased from CEI and TE. CFC can borrow up to $200 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, CFC would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to CEI. As of September 30, 2005, CEI redeemed $1.7 million of 7.00% Series B and Series C Pollution Control Revenue Bonds. The bonds were redeemed at par, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption. On June 6, 2005, CEI redeemed all 40,000 outstanding shares of $7.35 Series C preferred stock at $101.00 per share, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.facility was drawn for $35 million.

On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing and the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. CEI’s borrowing limit under the facility is $250 million.



On July 1, 2005, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, Ohio Water Development Authority and Beaver County Industrial Development Authority pollution control bonds aggregating $2.9 million, $40.9 million and $45.15 million, respectively, were refunded by CEI. The new bonds were issued in a Dutch Auction interest rate mode, insured with municipal bond insurance. CEI provided FMB collateral to the bond insurer.
90

 

CEI has the ability to borrow from its regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50%.

CEI’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook from the rating agencies on all such securities is positive.

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and its nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in itstheir outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.
83


Cash Flows from Investing Activities

In the secondthird quarter and first nine months of 2005, net cash used for investing activities increased $46decreased $42 million and $86 million, respectively, from the second quartercorresponding periods of 2004. The increasedecrease in funds used for investing activities for both periods primarily reflected increased property additions and an increase in loans to associated companies. The $43 million increase in net cash provided from investing activities for the first six months of 2005 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to increases in loan payments received from associated companies, partially offset by increased property additions.

DuringIn the second halflast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions are expected to be about $68 million, including $4 million for nuclear fuel.$37 million. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements. CEI has no additional requirements for sinking fund requirements for preferred stock and debt during the remainder of 2005.

CEI’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $368 million (excluding nuclear fuel) of which approximately $118$124 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers
On May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into certain agreements implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When fully completed, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies in FirstEnergy’s nuclear fuel duringand non-nuclear plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include CEI’s leasehold interests in certain of the 2005-2007 periodplants that are estimatedcurrently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

On October 24, 2005, CEI completed the transfer of non-nuclear generation assets to FGCO. CEI currently expects to complete the transfer of nuclear generation assets to NGC at book value before the end of 2005. Consummation of the nuclear transfer remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO under applicable Ohio electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies were required to be approximately $79 million,separated from the regulated delivery business of which about $13 million appliesthose companies through transfer to 2005. Duringa separate corporate entity. FENOC currently operates and maintains the same periods, CEI’s nuclear fuel investments are expectedgeneration assets to be reducedtransferred. FGCO, as lessee under a Master Facility Lease, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets that it now owns. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by approximately $91 millionthe restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and $27 million,FGCO, respectively, aswithout impacting the nuclear fuel is consumed.operation of the plants.
See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for CEI’s disclosure of the assets held for sale as of September 30, 2005.

91


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Obligations not included on CEI’s Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of sale and leaseback arrangements involving the Bruce Mansfield Plant. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, total $101$103 million.

CEI sells substantially all of its retail customer receivables to CFC, its wholly owned subsidiary. As of June 16, 2005, the CFC receivables financing structure was renewed and restructured from an off-balance sheet transaction to an on-balance sheet transaction. Under the new structure, any borrowings under the facility appear on the balance sheet as short-term debt.

Equity Price Risk
 
Included in CEI’s nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $254$277 million and $242 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $25$28 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Outlook

The electric industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of CEI's customers can select alternative energy suppliers. CEI continues to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through its existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. CEI has a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers
On May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into the agreements described below (Agreements) implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When concluded, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies in FirstEnergy’s nuclear, fossil and hydroelectric plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include leasehold interests of CEI, TE and OE in plants that are currently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leases the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.
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As contemplated by the Agreements, CEI intends to transfer its interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through a sale at net book value. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire CEI’s non-nuclear generation assets at the values approved in the Ohio Transition Case.

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Agreements is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the various asset transfers in the second half of 2005.

Regulatory Matters

In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of CEI's customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, CEI reduces the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the generation component (plus an incentive), and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. CEI has continuing PLR responsibility to its franchise customers through December 31, 2008 unless the PUCO accepts future competitive bid results prior to the end of that period under the revised Rate Stabilization Plan. RSP.

As part of CEI's transition plan, it is obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. CEI is also required to provide 400 MW of low cost supply (MSG) to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within its service area. FES acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in CEI's franchise area.

CEI's Rate Stabilization Plan extends currentOn August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the RSP as modified and approved by the PUCO in an August 4, 2004 Entry on Rehearing, subject to a competitive bid process. The RSP was filed by the Ohio Companies to establish generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generationservice rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply at stabilized prices, and continues CEI's supportuncertainty following the end of energy efficiency and economicthe Ohio Companies' transition plan market development efforts. Onperiod. In October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the original June 9, 2004 PUCO order andin this proceeding as well as the associated entries on rehearing. Other key components ofOn September 28, 2005, the Rate Stabilization Plan includeOhio Supreme Court heard oral argument on the following:appeals.

·Amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC for CEI extends to as late as mid-2009;

·Deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and

·Ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On May 27, 2005, CEI filed an application with the PUCO to establish a generation rate adjustmentGCAF rider under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. The application seeks to implement recovery of increased fuel costs from 2006 through 2008 applicable to CEI’s retail customers through a tariff rider to be implemented January 1, 2006. The application reflects projected increases in fuel costs in 2006 compared to 2002 baseline costs. The new rider, after adjustments made in testimony, is seeking to recover all costs above the baseline.baseline (approximately $88 million in 2006 for all of the Ohio Companies). Various parties including the OCC have intervened in this case. The Ohio Companies have received discovery requests from the OCCcase and the PUCO staff. A procedural schedulecase has been established byconsolidated with the PUCO, with a hearing scheduled for October 4, 2005.RCP application discussed below.

On DecemberSeptember 9, 2004,2005, CEI filed an application with the PUCO rejectedthat, if approved, would supplement its existing RSP with an RCP. On September 27, 2005, the auction price results from a required competitive bid processPUCO granted FirstEnergy's motion to consolidate the GCAF rider application with the RCP proceedings and issued an entry stating thatset hearings for the pricingconsolidated cases to begin November 29, 2005. The RCP is designed to provide customers with more certain rate levels than otherwise available under the approved Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect onRSP during the plan period. Major provisions of the RCP include:

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·    Maintain the existing level of base distribution rates through April 30, 2009 for CEI;

·    Defer and capitalize certain distribution costs to be incurred by all of the Ohio Companies during the
    period January 1, 2006. The2006 through December 31, 2008, not to exceed $150 million in each of the three
    years;

·    Adjust the RTC and extended RTC recovery periods and rate levels so that full recovery of authorized
    costs will occur as of December 31, 2010 for CEI;

·    Reduce the deferred shopping incentive balances as of January 1, 2006 by up to $85 million for CEI
    by accelerating the application of its accumulated cost of removal regulatory liability; and

·    Defer and capitalize all of CEI's allowable fuel cost increases until January 1, 2009.

Under provisions of the RSP, the PUCO may require CEI to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. On July 22, 2005, FirstEnergy filed a competitive bid process for the period beginning in 2007 that is similar to the competitive bid process approved by the PUCO for CEI in 2004.2004, which resulted in the PUCO accepting no bids. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP pricing, but notwith no accounting impacts to the related approved accounting,RSP, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination. On September 28, 2005, the PUCO issued an Entry that essentially approved the Ohio Companies' filing but delayed the proposed timing of the competitive bid process by four months, calling for the auction to be held on March 21, 2006.

On December 30, 2004, CEI filed with the PUCO two applications related to the recovery of transmission and ancillary service related costs. The first application seeks recovery of these costs beginning January 1, 2006. At the time of filing the application, these costs were estimated to be approximately $16 million per year; however, CEI anticipates that this amount will increase. CEI requested that these costs be recovered through a rider that would be effective on January 1, 2006 and adjusted thereafter each July 1.1 thereafter. CEI reached a settlement with OCC, PUCO staff, Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and OPAE. The only other party in this proceeding, Dominion Retail, Inc., agreed not to oppose the settlement. This settlement, which was filed with the PUCO on July 22, 2005, provides for the rider recovery requested by CEI, with carrying charges applied in the subsequent year’s rider for any over or under collection while the then-current rider is in effect. IfThe PUCO approved the settlement stipulation is approved by the PUCO, the actual amountson August 31, 2005. The incremental Transmission and Ancillary service revenues expected to be recovered from January through June 2006 are approximately $23.9 million. This value includes the January 1,recovery of the 2005 deferred MISO expenses as described below. In May 2006, riderCEI will be submittedfile a modification to the PUCO on or before November 1, 2005.rider which will determine revenues from July 2006 through June 2007.

 
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The second application seekssought authority to defer costs associated with transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the PUCO granted the accounting authority for CEI to defer incremental transmission and ancillary service-related charges incurred as a participant in the MISO, but only for those costs incurred during the period December 30, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Deferral of allPermission to defer costs incurred prior to December 31,30, 2004 was denied. The PUCO also authorized CEI to accrue carrying charges on the deferred balances. An application filed with the PUCO to recover these deferred charges over a five-year period through the rider, beginning in 2006, is pending.was approved in a PUCO order issued on August 31, 2005, approving the stipulation referred to above. The OCC, OPAE and CEI each filed applications for rehearing. CEI sought authority to defer the transmission and ancillary service relatedservice-related costs incurred during the period October 1, 2003 through December 29, 2004, while both OCC and OPAE sought to have the PUCO deny deferral of all costs. On July 6, 2005, the PUCO denied CEI'sCEI’s and OCC’s applications and, at the request of CEI, struck as untimely OPAE’s application. CEI and theThe OCC have sixty days from that date to filefiled a notice of appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Court on August 31, 2005. On September 30, 2005, in accordance with appellate procedure, the PUCO filed with the Ohio Supreme Court the record in this case. The Companies' brief will be due thirty days after the OCC files its brief, which, absent any time extensions, must be filed no later than November 9, 2005.

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville, Ohio. Under the FERC's original decision, CEI would have been responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets began in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. On April 15, 2005, FERC issued an order on rehearing that "carves out" these contracts from the MISO Day 2 market, which became effective April 1, 2005. While the order on rehearing is favorable to CEI, the impact of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service and MISO's ability to administer the contracts. Accordingly, the impact of this decision cannot be determined at this time.

Regulatoryrecords as regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PUCO and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, the costs would have been charged to income when incurred. CEI's regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 2004 were $0.9 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively. CEI is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with its transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets total $354$402 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and under the RSP, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery ofSee Note 14 “Regulatory Matters - Ohio” for the new regulatory assets will begin at that time andestimated net amortization of regulatory transition costs and deferred shopping incentive balances under the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period.proposed RCP and current RSP.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.


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Environmental Matters

CEI accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it hasthey have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in CEI'sCEI’s determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 
In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulation to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2). in all cases from the 2003 levels. CEI's Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fuel generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOx emissions. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which CEI operates affected facilities.

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Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the “Clean Air Mercury Rule,” which provides for a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. The futureHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gasesGHG emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gasGHG intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

CEI cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by CEI is lower than many regional competitors due to CEI's diversified generation sources which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.


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Regulation of Hazardous Waste

CEI has been named a PRP at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, CEI's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in CurrentOther Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $2.3 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to CEI's normal business operations pending against CEI and its subsidiaries. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
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Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seekingFirstEnergy companies also are defending six separate complaint cases before the PUCO relating to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All threeoutage. Two such cases were originally filed in Ohio State courts but subsequently dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two of theseIn both such cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seeksought to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. BothOf the four other pending PUCO complaint cases, three were filed by various insurance carriers either in their own name or as subrogees in the name of their insureds. In each such case, the carriers seek reimbursement against various FirstEnergy companies (and, in one case, against PJM, MISO and American Electric Power Co. as well) for claims they paid to their insureds allegedly due to the loss of power on August 14, 2003. The listed insureds in these cases, in many instances, are otherwise currently pending further proceedings.not customers of any FirstEnergy company. The fourth case involves the claim of a non-customer seeking reimbursement for losses incurred when its store was burglarized on August 14, 2003. In addition to the twothese six cases, that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken for any of these cases.
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One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003 from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, in which CEI has a 51.38% interest. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. On May 11, 2005, FENOC received a subpoena for documents related to outside meetings attended by Davis-Besse personnel on corrosion and cracking of control rod drive mechanisms and additional root cause evaluations.

On April 21, 2005, the NRC issued a NOV and proposed a $5.45 million civil penalty related to the degradation of the Davis-Besse reactor vessel head issue described above. On July 8,CEI accrued $1.0 million for a potential fine prior to 2005 FENOC requested an additional 120 days to respond to the NOV. CEI hasand accrued the remaining liability for its share of the proposed fine of $1.8 million during the first quarter of 2005. On September 14, 2005, FENOC filed its response to the NOV with the NRC. FENOC accepted full responsibility for the past failure to properly implement its boric acid corrosion control and corrective action programs. The NRC NOV indicated that the violations do not represent current licensee performance. FirstEnergy paid the penalty in the third quarter of 2005.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability based on the events surrounding Davis-Besse, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Effective July 1, 2005 the NRC oversight panel for Davis-Besse was terminated and Davis-Besse returned to the standard NRC reactor oversight process. At that time, NRC inspections were augmented to include inspections to support the NRC's Confirmatory Order dated March 8, 2004 that was issued at the time of startup and to address an NRC White Finding related to emergency sirens.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years.years and the licensee's failure to take prompt and effective corrective action. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which is currently owned and/or leased by OE, CEI TE and Pennhas a 44.85% interest (however, see Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which will include owned portions of the plant).

On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forummeeting to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives althougheven though it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004.oversight. During the public forummeeting and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix.

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On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process, from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and CEI, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. On August 24, 2005 additional information was requested regarding Davis Besse. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

The City of Huron filed a complaint against OE with the PUCO challenging the ability of electric distribution utilities to collect transition charges from a customer of a newly formed municipal electric utility. The complaint was filed on May 28, 2003, and OE timely filed its response on June 30, 2003. In a related filing, the Ohio Companies filed for approval with the PUCO of a tariff that would specifically allow the collection of transition charges from customers of municipal electric utilities formed after 1998. An adverse ruling could negatively affect full recovery of transition charges by CEI. Hearings on the matter were held in August 2005. Initial briefs from all parties were filed on September 22, 2005 and reply briefs were filed on October 14, 2005. It is unknown when the PUCO will rule on this case.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, CEI will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with CEI’s current accounting.


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FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for CEI in the fourth quarter of 2005. CEI is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. FirstEnergyCEI will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the second period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannotmeasurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for CEI. This FSP is not expected to have a material impact on CEI’s financial statements.

SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be reasonably estimated,“so abnormal” that fact andthey would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the reasons why mustcost of conversion be disclosed. This Interpretation isbased on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, FirstEnergy will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. FirstEnergyfor inventory costs incurred by CEI beginning January 1, 2006. CEI is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willStandard and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.



89



EITF Issue No. 03-1,FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. CEI is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, FirstEnergy continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



9098


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $286,960 $276,342 $787,824 $755,106 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  16,501  13,908  43,474  37,195 
Purchased power  73,144  79,774  225,600  236,869 
Nuclear operating costs  39,207  43,827  145,059  122,685 
Other operating costs  48,164  43,865  123,823  121,228 
Provision for depreciation  18,835  14,588  48,724  43,021 
Amortization of regulatory assets  39,576  41,037  107,672  102,065 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (19,379) (12,442) (41,473) (29,664)
General taxes  14,159  14,924  41,960  41,252 
Income taxes  20,311  11,963  44,160  18,465 
Total operating expenses and taxes   250,518  251,444  738,999  693,116 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  36,442  24,898  48,825  61,990 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  12,283  4,172  18,173  14,724 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  3,912  4,015  12,655  23,057 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (372) (741) (117) (2,843)
Other interest expense  2,958  1,350  4,192  2,945 
Net interest charges   6,498  4,624  16,730  23,159 
              
NET INCOME
  42,227  24,446  50,268  53,555 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  1,687  2,211  6,109  6,633 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $40,540 $22,235 $44,159 $46,922 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $42,227 $24,446 $50,268 $53,555 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  (4,511) 913  (6,695) (379)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  (1,743) 375  (2,534) (155)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (2,768) 538  (4,161) (224)
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $39,459 $24,984 $46,107 $53,331 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part of  these statements. 
   
99


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY    
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    
 
(Unaudited)    
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $1,906,941 $1,856,478 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  820,562  778,864 
   1,086,379  1,077,614 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  55,376  58,535 
Nuclear fuel  7,370  15,998 
   62,746  74,533 
   1,149,125  1,152,147 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lessor notes  178,765  190,692 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  335,553  297,803 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  39,964  39,975 
Other  1,741  2,031 
   556,023  530,501 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  15  15 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provision of $2,000 for       
 uncollectible accounts in 2004)  2,412  4,858 
Associated companies  10,168  36,570 
Other  8,658  3,842 
Notes receivable from associated companies  52,639  135,683 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  42,404  40,280 
Prepayments and other  1,712  1,150 
   118,008  222,398 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  501,022  504,522 
Regulatory assets  309,835  374,814 
Property taxes  24,100  24,100 
Other  26,520  25,424 
   861,477  928,860 
  $2,684,633 $2,833,906 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 60,000,000 shares -       
39,133,887 shares outstanding  $195,670 $195,670 
Other paid-in capital  428,572  428,559 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  15,878  20,039 
Retained earnings  225,218  191,059 
Total common stockholder's equity   865,338  835,327 
Preferred stock  96,000  126,000 
Long-term debt  296,373  300,299 
   1,257,711  1,261,626 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  53,650  90,950 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  28,456  110,047 
Other  3,252  2,247 
Notes payable to associated companies  378,190  429,517 
Accrued taxes  72,214  46,957 
Lease market valuation liability  24,600  24,600 
Other  28,735  53,055 
   589,097  757,373 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  222,985  221,950 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  24,697  25,102 
Lease market valuation liability  249,550  268,000 
Retirement benefits  42,998  39,227 
Asset retirement obligation  200,078  194,315 
Other  97,517  66,313 
   837,825  814,907 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $2,684,633 $2,833,906 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part of these blance sheets.       
        
100


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $259,109 $243,366 $500,864 $478,764 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  14,404  13,073  26,973  23,287 
Purchased power  72,300  74,687  152,456  157,095 
Nuclear operating costs  46,689  36,166  105,852  78,858 
Other operating costs  41,311  41,155  75,659  77,363 
Provision for depreciation  15,209  14,380  29,889  28,433 
Amortization of regulatory assets  33,231  27,362  68,096  61,028 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (12,670) (10,192) (22,094) (17,222)
General taxes  13,620  12,028  27,801  26,328 
Income taxes  27,817  8,080  23,849  6,502 
Total operating expenses and taxes   251,911  216,739  488,481  441,672 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  7,198  26,627  12,383  37,092 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  3,231  4,719  5,890  10,552 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  4,523  9,581  8,743  19,042 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (188) (702) 255  (2,102)
Other interest expense  (1,582) 889  1,234  1,595 
Net interest charges   2,753  9,768  10,232  18,535 
              
NET INCOME
  7,676  21,578  8,041  29,109 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  2,211  2,211  4,422  4,422 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $5,465 $19,367 $3,619 $24,687 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $7,676 $21,578 $8,041 $29,109 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  (501) (6,974) (2,184) (1,292)
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income  96  2,861  791  530 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (405) (4,113) (1,393) (762)
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $7,271 $17,465 $6,648 $28,347 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part of  
these statements.             
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $42,227 $24,446 $50,268 $53,555 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   18,835  14,588  48,724  43,021 
Amortization of regulatory assets   39,576  41,037  107,672  102,065 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (19,379) (12,442) (41,473) (29,664)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization   5,682  7,058  13,816  17,596 
Amortization of electric service obligation   (1,910) -  (3,301) - 
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability   10,310  9,689  (34,156) (26,585)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (12,798) (4,608) (4,605) (9,290)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   1,534  1,324  3,771  4,733 
Accrued compensation, net   404  516  (333) 1,477 
Pension trust contribution   -  (12,572) -  (12,572)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
   Receivables  3,423  69,908  15,962  95,383 
   Materials and supplies  3,788  (725) (2,124) (4,376)
   Prepayments and other current assets  (970) 677  (562) 5,971 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
   Accounts payable  (6,215) 6,202  (80,586) (9,568)
   Accrued taxes  14,748  (3,508) 25,257  227 
   Accrued interest  (369) (7,169) (565) (7,540)
Prepayment for electric service -- education programs   -  -  37,954  - 
Other   (14,392) (10,020) (22,999) (9,679)
 Net cash provided from operating activities  84,494  124,401  112,720  214,754 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt   -  30,500  45,000  103,500 
Short-term borrowings, net   45,054  146,370  -  29,310 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock   (30,000) -  (30,000) - 
Long-term debt   (36,821) (246,591) (83,754) (261,591)
Short-term borrowings, net   -  -  (51,327) - 
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   -  -  (10,000) - 
Preferred stock   (1,687) (2,211) (6,109) (6,633)
 Net cash used for financing activities  (23,454) (71,932) (136,190) (135,414)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (17,951) (16,950) (50,119) (36,377)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  (36,490) (20,389) 83,055  (21,046)
Investments in lessor notes  32  -  11,927  10,280 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,135) (7,135) (21,406) (21,406)
Other  504  (7,995) 13  (13,013)
 Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (61,040) (52,469) 23,470  (81,562)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  -  (2,222)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  15  15  15  2,237 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $15 $15 $15 $15 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part of these statements.  
              
 
 
 
91101


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $1,902,930 $1,856,478 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  802,653  778,864 
   1,100,277  1,077,614 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  52,465  58,535 
Nuclear fuel  4,063  15,998 
   56,528  74,533 
   1,156,805  1,152,147 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Investment in lessor notes  178,797  190,692 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  315,142  297,803 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  40,014  39,975 
Other  1,784  2,031 
   535,737  530,501 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  15  15 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $1,000 and $2,000, respectively,       
 for uncollectible accounts)  2,105  4,858 
Associated companies  19,373  36,570 
Other  3,182  3,842 
Notes receivable from associated companies  16,099  135,683 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  46,192  40,280 
Prepayments and other  742  1,150 
   87,708  222,398 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  504,522  504,522 
Regulatory assets  330,192  374,814 
Property taxes  24,100  24,100 
Other  39,189  25,424 
   898,003  928,860 
  $2,678,253 $2,833,906 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 60,000,000 shares -       
39,133,887 shares outstanding  $195,670 $195,670 
Other paid-in capital  428,566  428,559 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  18,646  20,039 
Retained earnings  184,678  191,059 
Total common stockholder's equity   827,560  835,327 
Preferred stock  126,000  126,000 
Long-term debt  296,482  300,299 
   1,250,042  1,261,626 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  90,950  90,950 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  34,806  110,047 
Other  3,117  2,247 
Notes payable to associated companies  333,136  429,517 
Accrued taxes  57,466  46,957 
Lease market valuation liability  24,600  24,600 
Other  25,802  53,055 
   569,877  757,373 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  235,448  221,950 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  24,024  25,102 
Retirement benefits  41,464  39,227 
Asset retirement obligation  200,867  194,315 
Lease market valuation liability  255,700  268,000 
Other  100,831  66,313 
   858,334  814,907 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $2,678,253 $2,833,906 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part       
of these balance sheets.       
92


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $7,676 $21,578 $8,041 $29,109 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   15,209  14,380  29,889  28,433 
Amortization of regulatory assets   33,231  27,362  68,096  61,028 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (12,670) (10,192) (22,094) (17,222)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization   3,266  5,032  8,134  10,538 
Amortization of electric service obligation   (1,391) -  (1,391) - 
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability   (29,242) (28,582) (44,466) (36,274)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   9,580  (2,651) 8,193  (4,682)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   1,626  1,124  2,237  3,409 
Accrued compensation, net   528  1,694  (737) 961 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
 Receivables  (28,936) 5,440  12,539  25,475 
 Materials and supplies  577  (2,217) (5,912) (3,651)
 Prepayments and other current assets  464  1,910  408  5,294 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
 Accounts payable  (81,306) (9,696) (74,371) (15,770)
 Accrued taxes  25,771  17,820  10,509  3,735 
 Accrued interest  (1,049) 1,910  (196) (371)
Prepayment for electric service -- education programs   37,954  -  37,954  - 
Other   (6,618) 8,488  (8,607) 341 
 Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities  (25,330) 53,400  28,226  90,353 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt   45,000  -  45,000  73,000 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Long-term debt   (46,933) -  (46,933) (15,000)
Short-term borrowings, net   (61,388) (23,761) (96,381) (117,060)
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   (10,000) -  (10,000) - 
Preferred stock   (2,211) (2,211) (4,422) (4,422)
 Net cash used for financing activities  (75,532) (25,972) (112,736) (63,482)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (14,249) (10,987) (32,168) (19,427)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  121,155  (3,263) 119,545  (657)
Investments in lessor notes  (33) -  11,895  10,280 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (7,136) (7,136) (14,271) (14,271)
Other  1,125  (6,043) (491) (5,018)
 Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  100,862  (27,429) 84,510  (29,093)
              
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  -  (1) -  (2,222)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  15  16  15  2,237 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $15 $15 $15 $15 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to The Toledo Edison Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
              
93

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of The Toledo Edison Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of The Toledo Edison Company and its subsidiary as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 6 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005

94102


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


TE is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. TE conducts business in northwestern Ohio, providing regulated electric distribution services. TE also provides generation services to those customers electing to retain TE as their power supplier. TE provides power directly to some alternative energy suppliers under TE’s transition plan. TE has unbundled the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges. TE’s power supply requirements are provided by FES - an affiliated company.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in the secondthird quarter of 2005 decreasedincreased to $5$41 million from earnings of $19$22 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increase in earnings resulted primarily from higher operating revenues and other income, partially offset by increased financing costs. Earnings on common stock in the first sixnine months of 2005 decreased to $4$44 million from $25$47 million in the first sixnine months of 2004. The decrease in earnings in both periods of 2005 resulted principallyprimarily from higher nuclear operating costs and a one-time income tax charge, partially offset by higher operating revenues and lower financing costs compared to the same period of 2004.costs.

Operating revenues increased by $16$11 million, or 6.5%3.8%, in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2004. Higher revenues in the secondthird quarter of 2005 resulted from increased retail generation sales revenues of $11$13 million and distribution revenues of $4$2 million, andpartially offset by a decrease in wholesales sales (primarily to FES) of $2$4 million partially offset byand an increase in shopping incentive credits of $1 million. Retail generation sales revenues increased as a result of increased KWH sales (residential - $1 million, commercial - $2$1 million and industrial - $8$11 million). Higher residential and commercial revenues reflected increased KWH sales (24.5%(8.0% and 23.2%9.2%, respectively), partially offset by lower and higher unit prices. ResidentialKWH sales to residential and commercial sales volumescustomers increased primarily due to warmer weather which increased air-conditioning loads. Additionally, generation services provided to commercial customers by alternative suppliers as a percent of total commercial sales delivered in TE’s service area. The commercial generation sales volume increase also reflects a reductionarea decreased by 4.72.1 percentage points in customer shopping compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004. Industrial revenues increased as a result of higher unit prices partially offset byand a 3.9% decrease4.2% increase in KWH sales.

Revenues from distribution throughput increased by $4$2 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from the corresponding quarter of 2004. The increase was due to higher residential and commercial revenues ($98 million and $4$0.2 million, respectively), partially offset by a decrease in industrial revenues ($97 million). The impact of higher residential and commercial KWH sales contributed to the increase and offset theincrease; lower industrial unit prices more than offset an increase in KWH sales volume and unit prices.to industrial customers.

Operating revenues increased by $22$33 million, or 4.6%4.3%, in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004. HigherThe higher revenues in the first six months of 2005 resulted primarily from increased retail generation sales revenues of $21$35 million and wholesales sales (primarily to FES) of $5$2 million, partially offset by a decreasean increase in distribution revenuesshopping incentive credits of $2$3 million. Retail generation sales revenues increased as a result of higher KWH sales in all customer sectors (residential - $1$2 million, commercial - $3$4 million, industrial - $17$29 million). Increases inHigher residential and commercial revenues reflected increased KWH sales (6.3%(6.9% and 13.9%12.2%, respectively) and higher unit prices. Residential and commercial sales volumes increased primarily due to warmer weather, partially offsetweather. The increase in commercial revenues also reflects a reduction by lower unit prices. The higher industrial2.5 percentage points in customer shopping compared with the same period of 2004. Industrial revenues resulted primarily fromincreased as a result of higher unit prices.prices and a 0.6% increase in KWH sales.

Revenues from distribution throughput decreased by $2$0.4 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared tofrom the same period in 2004 as a result of2004. The decrease was due to lower industrial KWH sales and reduced unit prices, whichrevenues ($22 million), partially offset by increases in KWH sales to residential and commercial customers.revenues ($15 million and $6 million, respectively). The impact from lower industrial unit prices more than offset the higher KWH sales in all customer classes.

Under the Ohio transition plan, TE provides incentives to customers to encourage switching to alternative energy providers. TE’s revenues were reduced by $1 million from additional credits in the secondthird quarter and $2$3 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods of 2004. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery under TE’s transition plan and do not affect current period earnings (see Regulatory Matters below).




95103


Changes in electric generationKWH sales and distribution deliveriesby customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 from the corresponding periods of 2004, are summarized in the following table:

  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  6.0% 3.9%
Wholesale  3.5% 3.4%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
4.6
%
 
3.7
%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  16.7% 12.0%
Commercial  4.7% 6.8%
Industrial  4.8% 1.2%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
7.7
%
 
5.3
%
        

  
Three
 
Six
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Electric Generation:     
Retail  4.6% 2.8%
Wholesale  (6.5)% 3.4%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
(1.8
)%
 
3.1
%
        
Distribution Deliveries:       
Residential  25.5% 9.3%
Commercial  12.1% 8.0%
Industrial  (3.1)% (0.6)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
6.4
%
 
3.9
%
        

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $35decreased $1 million in the secondthird quarter and $47increased $46 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from the same periods in 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease) 
 
(In millions)
 
Fuel costs $3 $6 
Purchased power costs  (7 (11
Nuclear operating costs  (4) 22 
Other operating costs  4  3 
Provision for depreciation  4  6 
Amortization of regulatory assets  (1) 6 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (7 (12
General taxes  (1) 1 
Income taxes  8  25 
Net increase (decrease) in operating expenses and taxes
 $(1$46 
        

  
Three
 
Six
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease) 
 
(In millions)
 
Fuel costs $1 $4 
Purchased power costs  (2 (5
Nuclear operating costs  10  27 
Other operating costs  -  (2
Provision for depreciation  1  1 
Amortization of regulatory assets  6  7 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (3 (5
General taxes  2  2 
Income taxes  20  18 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $35 $47 
        

Higher fuel costs in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the same periods of 2004, resulted principallyprimarily from increased fossilfossil-fired generation from the Mansfield Plant, up 12.4%5.7% and 19.8%, respectively. Lower purchased7.1% during the respective periods. Purchased power costs decreased in both periods reflectdue to lower unit costs and a reduction inreduced KWH purchasedpurchases. Nuclear operating costs decreased in the secondthird quarter of 2005.2005 primarily from lower employee benefit costs and operating expenses for the nuclear generating units. Nuclear operating costs increased in both periodsthe nine-month period due to a scheduled refueling outage (including an unplanned extension) at the Perry Plant, a mid-cycle inspection outage at the Davis-Besse Plant during the first quarter of 2005, and the Beaver Valley Unit 2 refueling outage in the second quarter of 2005.2005, compared to no scheduled outages in the first nine months of 2004. Other operating costs remained unchangedincreased in the second quarterboth periods of 2005 compared to the same periodperiods of 2004.2004 primarily because of MISO Day 2 expenses that began in the second quarter ofon April 1, 2005, werepartially offset by decreased vegetation management expenses. Other operating costs decreased in the first six monthslower Beaver Valley Unit 2 letter of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004 in part fromcredit fees, insurance settlements and lower employee benefits costs.

Depreciation charges increased by $1$4 million in the secondthird quarter and $6 million in first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004 primarily due to an increase in depreciable assets. This increase wasproperty additions and reduced amortization periods for expenditures on leased generating plants to conform to the lease terms. These increases were partially offset by the effect of revised service life assumptions for fossil generating plants (See Note 3). Regulatory asset amortization increased in both periodsthe first nine months of 2005 due to the increased amortization of transition costs being recovered under the Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. Deferrals of new regulatory assets increased in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004, primarily due to higher shopping incentives and related interest ($12 million and $3$5 million, respectively) and the deferral of the PUCO-approved MISO administrative expenses and related interest ($1 million) that began in the second quarter of 2005.5 million and $6 million, respectively). 

On June 30, 2005, the State of Ohio enacted new tax legislation that createscreated a new Commercial Activity Tax (CAT),CAT tax, which is based on qualifying "taxable“taxable gross receipts"receipts” and will not consider any expenses or costs incurred to generate such receipts, except for items such as cash discounts, returns and allowances, and bad debts. The CAT tax is effective July 1, 2005, and replaces the Ohio income-based franchise tax and the Ohio personal property tax. The CAT tax is phased-in while the current income-based franchise tax is phased-out over a five-year period at a rate of 20% annually, beginning with the year ended 2005, and personal property tax is phased-out over a four-year period at a rate of approximately 25%, annually beginning with the year ended 2005. For example, during the phase-out period the Ohio income-based franchise tax will be computed consistently with the prior tax law, except that the tax liability as computed will be multiplied by 4/5 in 2005; 3/5 in 2006; 2/5 in 2007 and 1/5 in 2008, therefore eliminating the current income-based franchise tax over a five-year period. As a result of the new tax structure, all net deferred tax benefits that are not expected to reverse during the five-year phase-in period were written-off as of June 30, 2005. The impact on income taxes associated with the required adjustment to net deferred taxes for the second quarter ofnine months ended September 30, 2005 was additional tax expense of approximately $18$17.5 million, which was partially offset by the phase-out of the Ohio income tax which reduced income taxes by approximately $1$0.7 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
96104


Other Income

Other income decreasedincreased by $2$8 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and $5$3 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 fromcompared with the same periods of 2004, primarily due to a decrease in earnings onhigher nuclear decommissioning trust investments and the absence ofrealized gains, partially offset by lower interest income earned on associated company notes receivable that were repaid in May 2005. Additionally, the recognition of a $1.6 million proposed NRC fine related to the Davis-Besse Plant (see Outlook - Other Legal Proceedings) during the first quarter of 2005 causedpartially offset the increase in other income to decrease during the first sixnine months of 2005.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasingincreased by $7$2 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and $8compared with the same period in 2004, primarily related to higher interest rates charged for money pool borrowings from associated companies in 2005. The average interest rate for borrowings in the third quarter of 2005 was 3.50% versus 1.28% in the same period in 2004. However, net interest charges decreased by $6 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 fromcompared with the same periodsperiod of 2004, reflecting redemptions and refinancings subsequent to the end of the second quarter ofsince October 1, 2004.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

TE’s cash requirements infor the remainder of 2005 for operating expenses and construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities are expected to be met without increasing its net debt and preferred stock outstanding. Thereafter, TE expects to meet its contractual obligations with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, TE's cash and cash equivalents of $15,000 remained unchanged from its December 31, 2004 balance.2004.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash provided from operating activities during the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the corresponding period of 2004 were as follows:


  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings(1)
 $84 $77 $140 $152 
Pension trust contribution(2)
  --  (8) --  (8)
Working capital and other  --  55  (27 71 
Total cash flows from operating activities $84 $124 $113 $215 
              
(1) Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
  
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $5 million of income tax benefits.
  
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings*
 $28 $30 $56 $75 
Working capital and other  (53 23  (28 15 
Total cash flows form operating activities $(25$53 $28 $90 
              
* Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
  

Cash earnings, as disclosed in the table above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. TE believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.



97105



 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
Net income (GAAP) $8 $22 $8 $29  $42 $24 $50 $54 
Non-cash charges (credits):                        
Provision for depreciation  15  14  30  29   19 15  49 43 
Amortization of regulatory assets  33  27  68  61   40 41  108 102 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (13) (10) (22) (17)  (20) (12) (42) (30)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization  3  5  8  10   6 7  14 18 
Amortization of electric service obligation  (1 -  (1 -   (2 --  (3 - 
Deferred rents and above-market lease liability  (29 (28 (44 (36  10 10  (34) (27
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  10  (3) 8  (5)  (13) (8) (5) (14)
Accrued retirement benefits obligations  2  1  2  3   2 1  4 5 
Accrued compensation, net  -  2  (1 1   -  (1 (1 1 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $28 $30 $56 $75  $84 $77 $140 $152 
                        

Net cash provided from operating activities decreased by $78$40 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 from the secondthird quarter of 2004 as a result of a $76$55 million decrease infrom working capital, and $2partially offset by a $7 million decreaseincrease in cash earnings as described above and under "Results“Results of Operations".Operations” and the absence of an $8 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution made in the third quarter of 2004. Net cash provided from operating activities decreased by $62$102 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same period last year as a result of a $43$98 million decreasechange in working capital and a $19$12 million decrease in cash earnings as described above and under "Results“Results of Operations".Operations,” partially offset by the absence of an $8 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution made in 2004. The change in working capital for both periods was primarily due to changes in accounts payable, accrued taxes and accounts receivable,receivables, partially offset in the nine-month period of 2005 by funds received for prepaid electric service under the Ohio Schools Council’s Energy for Education Program that began in the second quarter of 2005.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities decreased by $48 million and increased by $50$1 million in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2004, and resulted from2004. The activities in both periods reflect an increase in net debt redemptions in both periods.and preferred stock redemptions. The increase wasin the nine-month period of 2005 also due toincluded a $10 million increase in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy duringFirstEnergy.

On July 1, 2005, TE redeemed all of its 1,200,000 outstanding shares of 7.00% Series A preferred stock at $25.00 per share, plus accrued dividends to the seconddate of redemption. TE also repurchased $37 million of pollution control revenue bonds on September 1, 2005, with the intent to remarket them by the end of the first quarter of 2005.2006.

TE had $16$53 million of cash and temporary investments (which included short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $333$378 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. TE has authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including the utility money pool described below). As of June 30,October 24, 2005, TE had the capability to issue $890 million$1.0 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of its mortgage indenture.indenture following the recently completed intra-system transfer of fossil generating plants (See Note 17). Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests, TE could issue up to $950 million$1.15 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issuedissued) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005).2005. It is estimated that the annualized impact of the intra-system transfer of fossil generating plants will reduce the capability of TE to issue preferred stock by approximately $16 million.

On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing and the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. TE's borrowing limit under the facility is $250 million.

TE has the ability to borrow from its regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50%.
106


On April 20, 2005, Beaver County Industrial Development Authority pollution control bonds aggregating $45 million were refunded by TE. The new bonds were issued in a Dutch Auction interest rate mode, insured with municipal bond insurance and secured by FMB.

On July 1, 2005, TE redeemed all of its 1.2 million outstanding shares of 7.00% Series A preferred stock at $25.00 per share, plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption.

TE’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and its nuclear operations further stabilize.
98


On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in their outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities increased by $9 million in the third quarter of 2005 compared with from the same period of 2004. Net cash provided from investing activities increased by $128 million in the second quarter and $114$105 million in the first sixnine months of 2005, from the same periodsperiod of 2004. These increases were primarily due to higherchanges from loan repayments fromactivity with associated companies during the second quarter of 2005,periods, partially offset by increased property additions.additions in the nine-month period.

In the last quarter of 2005, TE’s capital spending for the last two quarters of 2005 is expected to be about $36 million (excluding $3 million for nuclear fuel).$25 million. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term borrowings.

TE’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $192 million, (excluding nuclear fuel), of which approximately $56$64 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers
On May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into certain agreements implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When fully completed, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies in FirstEnergy’s nuclear fuel duringand non-nuclear plants being owned by NGC and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include TE’s leasehold interests in certain of the 2005-2007 periodplants that are estimatedcurrently subject to total approximately $56 million,sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.

On October 24, 2005, TE completed the transfer of which about $10 million appliesnon-nuclear generation assets to FGCO. TE currently expects to complete the transfer of nuclear generation assets to NGC at book value before the end of 2005. DuringConsummation of the same periods, TE’s nuclear fuel investmentstransfer remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

These transactions are expectedbeing undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO under applicable Ohio electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies were required to be reduced by approximately $64 millionseparated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC currently operates and $20 million, respectively, asmaintains the nuclear fuel is consumed.generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a Master Facility Lease, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets that it now owns. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for TE’s disclosure of the assets held for sale as of September 30, 2005.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Obligations not included on TE’s Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of sale and leaseback arrangements involving the Bruce Mansfield Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, totaled $531$541 million.

TE sells substantially all of its retail customer receivables to CFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEI. As of June 16, 2005, the CFC receivables financing structure was renewed and restructured from an off-balance sheet transaction to an on-balance sheet transaction. Under the new structure, any borrowings under the facility appear on the balance sheet as short-term debt.


107


Equity Price Risk

Included in TE’s nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $199$217 million and $188 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $20$22 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Changes in the fair value of these investments are recorded in OCI unless recognized as a result of sales.

Outlook

The electric industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of TE's customers can select alternative energy suppliers. TE continues to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through its existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. TE has a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers
On May 18, 2005, OE, CEI and TE, entered into the agreements described below (Agreements) implementing a series of intra-system generation asset transfers. When concluded, the asset transfers will result in the respective undivided ownership interests of the Ohio Companies in FirstEnergy’s nuclear, fossil and hydroelectric plants being owned by NGC, and FGCO, respectively. The generating plant interests that are being transferred do not include leasehold interests of CEI, TE and OE in plants that are currently subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates.
99

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with the Ohio Companies’ restructuring plans that were approved by the PUCO under applicable Ohio electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plans, generation assets that had been owned by the Ohio Companies were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business of those companies through transfer to a separate corporate entity. FENOC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leases the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plans by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

As contemplated by the Agreements, TE intends to transfer its interests in the nuclear generation assets to NGC through a sale at net book value. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire TE’s non-nuclear generation assets at the values approved in the Ohio Transition case.

Consummation of the transactions contemplated by each of the Agreements is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. FirstEnergy currently expects to complete the various asset transfers in the second half of 2005.

Regulatory Matters

In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of TE's customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, TE reduces the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the generation component plus an incentive, and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. TE has continuing PLR responsibility to its franchise customers through December 31, 2008 unless the PUCO accepts future competitive bid results prior to the end of that period under the revised Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP.

As part of TE's transition plan, it is obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. TE is also required to provide 160 MW of low cost supply (MSG) to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within its service area. FES acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in TE's franchise area.

TE's Rate Stabilization Plan extends currentOn August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the RSP as modified and approved by the PUCO in an August 4, 2004 Entry on Rehearing, subject to a competitive bid process. The RSP was filed by the Ohio Companies to establish generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generationservice rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply at stabilized prices, and continues TE's supportuncertainty following the end of energy efficiency and economicthe Ohio Companies' transition plan market development efforts. Onperiod. In October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the original June 9, 2004 PUCO order andin this proceeding as well as the associated entries on rehearing. Other key components ofOn September 28, 2005, the revised Rate Stabilization Plan includeOhio Supreme Court heard oral argument on the following:appeals.

·Amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC extends to as late as mid-2008;

·Deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and

·Ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On May 27, 2005, TE filed an application with the PUCO to establish a generation rate adjustmentGCAF rider under its Rate Stabilization Plan.RSP. The application seeks to implement recovery of increased fuel costs from 2006 through 2008 applicable to TE’s retail customers through a tariff rider to be implemented January 1, 2006. The application reflects projected increases in fuel costs in 2006 compared to 2002 baseline costs. The new rider, after adjustments made in testimony, is seeking to recover all costs above the baseline.baseline (approximately $88 million in 2006 for all the Ohio Companies). Various parties including the OCC have intervened in this case. TE has received discovery requests from the OCCcase and the PUCO staff. A procedural schedulecase has been established byconsolidated with the PUCO, with a hearing scheduled for October 4, 2005.RCP application discussed below.

On DecemberSeptember 9, 2004,2005, TE filed an application with the PUCO rejectedthat, if approved, would supplement its existing RSP with an RCP. On September 27, 2005, the auction price results from a required competitive bid processPUCO granted FirstEnergy's motion to consolidate the GCAF rider application with the RCP proceedings and issued an entry stating thatset hearings for the pricingconsolidated cases to begin November 29, 2005. The RCP is designed to provide customers with more certain rate levels than otherwise available under the approved Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. TheRSP during the plan period. Major provisions of the RCP include:

·  
    Maintain the existing level of base distribution rates through December 31, 2008 for TE;

·  
    Defer and capitalize certain distribution costs to be incurred by all of the Ohio Companies during the
    period January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008, not to exceed $150 million in each of the three
    years;

·  
    Adjust the RTC and extended RTC recovery periods and rate levels so that full recovery of authorized
    costs will occur as of December 31, 2008 for TE;

·  
    Reduce the deferred shopping incentive balances as of January 1, 2006 by up to $45 million for TE
    by accelerating the application of its accumulated cost of removal regulatory liability; and

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·  
    Recover increased fuel costs of up to $75 million, $77 million, and $79 million, in 2006, 2007, and
    2008, respectively, from all OE and TE distribution and transmission customers through a fuel
    recovery mechanism. TE may defer and capitalize increased fuel costs above the amount collected
    through the fuel recovery mechanism.

Under provisions of the RSP, the PUCO may require the Ohio CompaniesTE to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. On July 22, 2005, FirstEnergy filed a competitive bid process for the period beginning in 2007 that is similar to the competitive bid process approved by the PUCO for TE in 2004, which resulted in the Ohio Companies in 2004.PUCO accepting no bids. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization PlanRSP pricing, but notwith no accounting impacts to the related approved accounting,RSP, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination. On September 28, 2005, the PUCO issued an Entry that essentially approved the Ohio Companies’ filing but delayed the proposed timing of the competitive bid process by four months, calling for the auction to be held on March 21, 2006.
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On December 30, 2004, TE filed with the PUCO two applications related to the recovery of transmission and ancillary service related costs. The first application seeks recovery of these costs beginning January 1, 2006. At the time of filing the application, these costs were estimated to be approximately $0.1 million per year; however, TE anticipates that this amount will increase. TE requested that these costs be recovered through a rider that would be effective on January 1, 2006 and adjusted thereafter each July 1.1 thereafter. TE reached a settlement with OCC, PUCO staff, Industrial Energy Users - Ohio and OPAE. The only other party in this proceeding, Dominion Retail, Inc., agreed not to oppose the settlement. This settlement, which was filed with the PUCO on July 22, 2005, provides for the rider recovery requested by TE, with carrying charges applied in the subsequent year’s rider for any over or under collection while the then-current rider is in effect. IfThe PUCO approved the settlement stipulation is approved by the PUCO, the actual amountson August 31, 2005. The incremental Transmission and Ancillary service revenues expected to be recovered from January through June 2006 are approximately $6.7 million. This value includes the January 1,recovery of the 2005 deferred MISO expenses as described below. In May 2006, riderTE will be submittedfile a modification to the PUCO on or before November 1, 2005.rider which will determine revenues from July 2006 through June 2007.

The second application seeks authority to defer costs associated with transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the PUCO granted the accounting authority for TE to defer incremental transmission and ancillary service-related charges incurred as a participant in the MISO, but only for those costs incurred during the period December 30, 2004 through December 31, 2005. Deferral of allPermission to defer costs incurred prior to December 31, 2004 was denied. The PUCO also authorized TE to accrue carrying charges on the deferred balances. An application filed with the PUCO to recover these deferred charges over a five-year period through the rider, beginning in 2006, is pending.was approved in a PUCO order issued on August 31, 2005. The OCC, OPAE and TE each filed applications for rehearing. TE sought authority to defer the transmission and ancillary service related costs incurred during the period October 1, 2003 through December 29, 2004, while both OCC and OPAE sought to have the PUCO deny deferral of all costs. On July 6, 2005, the PUCO denied TE's and OCC’s applications and, at the request of TE, struck as untimely OPAE’s application. TE and theThe OCC have sixty days from that date to filefiled a notice of appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court. Court on August 31, 2005. On September 30, 2005, in accordance with appellate procedure, the PUCO filed with the Ohio Supreme Court the record in this case. The Companies' brief will be due thirty days after the OCC files its brief, which, absent any time extensions, must be filed no later than November 9, 2005.

TE records as regulatory assets costs which have been authorized by the PUCO and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, the costs would have been charged to income when incurred. TE's regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, were $330$310 million and $375 million, respectively. TE is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with its transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets total $108$122 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and, under the RSP, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery ofSee Note 14 “Regulatory Matters - Ohio” for the new regulatory assets will begin at that time andestimated net amortization of regulatory transition costs and deferred shopping incentive balances under the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period.proposed RCP and current RSP.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.

Environmental Matters

TE accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in TE's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its website, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.
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National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulation to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2). in all cases from the 2003 levels. TE's Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fuelfossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOx emissions. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which TE operates affected facilities.
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Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the “Clean Air Mercury Rule,” which provides for a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. The futureHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gasesGHG emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gasGHG intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

TE cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by TE is lower than many regional competitors due to TE's diversified generation sources which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste
 
TE has been named a PRP at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, TE's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in CurrentOther Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $0.2 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. TE accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in TE's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of environmental matters.

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Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to TE's normal business operations pending against TE and its subsidiaries. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
102


Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seekingFirstEnergy companies also are defending six separate complaint cases before the PUCO relating to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All threeoutage. Two such cases were originally filed in Ohio State courts but subsequently dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two of theseIn both such cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seeksought to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. BothOf the four other pending PUCO complaint cases, three were filed by various insurance carriers either in their own name as subrogees or in the name of their insured. In each such case, the carriers seek reimbursement against various FirstEnergy companies (and, in one case, against PJM, MISO and American Electric Power Co. as well) for claims they paid to their insureds allegedly due to the loss of power on August 14, 2003. The listed insureds in these cases, in many instances, are otherwise currently pending further proceedings.not customers of any FirstEnergy company. The fourth case involves the claim of a non-customer seeking reimbursement for losses incurred when its store was burglarized on August 14, 2003. In addition to the twothese six cases, that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken for any of these cases.

One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy's motion to dismiss the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on or about December 1, 2005. No estimate of potential liability has been undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

111

FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003 from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, in which TE has a 48.62% interest. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. On May 11, 2005, FENOC received a subpoena for documents related to outside meetings attended by Davis-Besse personnel on corrosion and cracking of control rod drive mechanisms and additional root cause evaluations.

On April 21, 2005, the NRC issued a NOV and proposed a $5.45 million civil penalty related to the degradation of the Davis-Besse reactor vessel head issue described above. On July 8,TE accrued $1.0 million for a potential fine prior to 2005 FENOC requested an additional 120 days to respond to the NOV. TE hasand accrued the remaining liability for its share of the proposed fine of $1.6$1.65 million during the first quarter of 2005. On September 14, 2005, FENOC filed its response to the NOV with the NRC. FENOC accepted full responsibility for the past failure to properly implement its boric acid corrosion control and corrective action programs. The NRC NOV indicated that the violations do not represent current licensee performance. FirstEnergy paid the penalty in the third quarter of 2005.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries has legal liability based on events surrounding Davis-Besse, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or any of its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Effective July 1, 2005 the NRC oversight panel for Davis-Besse was terminated and Davis-Besse returned to the standard NRC reactor oversight process. At that time, NRC inspections were augmented to include inspections to support the NRC's Confirmatory Order dated March 8, 2004 that was issued at the time of startup and to address an NRC White Finding related to the performance of the emergency sirens.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years.years and the licensee's failure to take prompt and effective corrective action. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which TE has a 19.91% interest (however, Seesee Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which will include owned portions of the plant).

On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forummeeting to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives althougheven though it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004.oversight. During the public forummeeting and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix.

On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.
103


On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and TE, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. On August 24, 2005, additional information was requested regarding Davis-Besse. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.
112

The City of Huron filed a complaint against OE with the PUCO challenging the ability of electric distribution utilities to collect transition charges from a customer of a newly formed municipal electric utility. The complaint was filed on May 28, 2003, and OE timely filed its response on June 30, 2003. In a related filing, the Ohio Companies filed for approval with the PUCO of a tariff that would specifically allow the collection of transition charges from customers of municipal electric utilities formed after 1998. An adverse ruling could negatively affect full recovery of transition charges by TE. Hearings on the matter were held in August 2005. Initial briefs from all parties were filed on September 22, 2005 and reply briefs were filed on October 14, 2005. It is unknown when the PUCO will rule on this case.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, TE will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with TE’s current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”
On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for TE in the fourth quarter of 2005. TE is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. TE will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
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SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannotmeasurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for TE. This FSP is not expected to have a material impact on TE’s financial statements.

SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be reasonably estimated,“so abnormal” that fact andthey would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the reasons why mustcost of conversion be disclosed. This Interpretation isbased on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore,for inventory costs incurred by TE will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005.beginning January 1, 2006. TE is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willStandard and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1,FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. TE is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, TE continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



104114



PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $145,540 $143,340 $414,306 $420,578 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  6,205  6,347  17,351  18,408 
Purchased power  42,242  44,096  131,948  136,699 
Nuclear operating costs  16,997  19,934  56,710  55,737 
Other operating costs  19,030  16,212  48,541  45,371 
Provision for depreciation  3,847  3,556  11,351  10,390 
Amortization of regulatory assets  9,784  9,979  29,499  30,082 
General taxes  6,836  6,416  19,752  17,538 
Income taxes  17,402  16,541  43,055  46,425 
Total operating expenses and taxes   122,343  123,081  358,207  360,650 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  23,197  20,259  56,099  59,928 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  549  745  623  2,287 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest expense  2,371  1,911  7,477  7,434 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (1,665) (1,271) (4,508) (3,197)
Net interest charges   706  640  2,969  4,237 
              
NET INCOME
  23,040  20,364  53,753  57,978 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  156  639  1,534  1,919 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $22,884 $19,725 $52,219 $56,059 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $23,040 $20,364 $53,753 $57,978 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  -  -  -  - 
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $23,040 $20,364 $53,753 $57,978 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of these statements.  
              
115


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $134,282 $134,615 $268,766 $277,238 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Fuel  5,526  5,855  11,146  12,061 
Purchased power  42,726  44,095  89,706  92,603 
Nuclear operating costs  19,765  17,180  39,713  35,803 
Other operating costs  16,743  15,474  29,511  29,159 
Provision for depreciation  3,810  3,472  7,504  6,834 
Amortization of regulatory assets  9,833  10,027  19,715  20,103 
General taxes  6,444  4,488  12,916  11,122 
Income taxes  13,232  14,846  25,653  29,884 
Total operating expenses and taxes   118,079  115,437  235,864  237,569 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  16,203  19,178  32,902  39,669 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  819  560  74  1,542 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest expense  2,787  2,798  5,106  5,523 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (1,476) (1,004) (2,843) (1,926)
Net interest charges   1,311  1,794  2,263  3,597 
              
NET INCOME
  15,711  17,944  30,713  37,614 
              
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  738  640  1,378  1,280 
              
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $14,973 $17,304 $29,335 $36,334 
              
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
             
              
NET INCOME
 $15,711 $17,944 $30,713 $37,614 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  -  -  -  - 
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $15,711 $17,944 $30,713 $37,614 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $907,382 $866,303 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  378,707  356,020 
   528,675  510,283 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  133,790  104,366 
Nuclear fuel  10,428  3,362 
   144,218  107,728 
   672,893  618,011 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  146,706  143,062 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  32,864  32,985 
Other  502  722 
   180,072  176,769 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  24  38 
Notes receivable from associated companies  566  431 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $1,066,000 and $888,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   44,990  44,282 
Associated companies  6,206  23,016 
Other  2,617  1,656 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  37,974  37,923 
Prepayments and other  12,110  8,924 
   104,487  116,270 
        
DEFERRED CHARGES
  10,721  10,106 
  $968,173 $921,156 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, $30 par value, authorized 6,500,000 shares -       
6,290,000 shares outstanding  $188,700 $188,700 
Other paid-in capital  65,035  64,690 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (13,706) (13,706)
Retained earnings  131,914  87,695 
Total common stockholder's equity   371,943  327,379 
Preferred stock  14,105  39,105 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  121,170  133,887 
   507,218  500,371 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  25,774  26,524 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  34,821  11,852 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  16,864  46,368 
Other  1,884  1,436 
Accrued taxes  26,163  14,055 
Accrued interest  1,635  1,872 
Other  8,491  8,802 
   115,632  110,909 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  79,801  93,418 
Asset retirement obligation  155,959  138,284 
Retirement benefits  51,389  49,834 
Regulatory liabilities  47,809  18,454 
Other  10,365  9,886 
   345,323  309,876 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $968,173 $921,156 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of these balance sheets.  
        
 
 
 
105116

 


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $892,826 $866,303 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  371,569  356,020 
   521,257  510,283 
Construction work in progress -       
Electric plant  122,232  104,366 
Nuclear fuel  -  3,362 
   122,232  107,728 
   643,489  618,011 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  144,704  143,062 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  32,795  32,985 
Other  526  722 
   178,025  176,769 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  24  38 
Notes receivable from associated companies  448  431 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $966,000 and $888,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   46,545  44,282 
Associated companies  10,632  23,016 
Other  939  1,656 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  38,729  37,923 
Prepayments and other  17,184  8,924 
   114,501  116,270 
        
DEFERRED CHARGES
  9,915  10,106 
  $945,930 $921,156 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, $30 par value, authorized 6,500,000 shares -       
6,290,000 shares outstanding  $188,700 $188,700 
Other paid-in capital  65,035  64,690 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (13,706) (13,706)
Retained earnings  109,030  87,695 
Total common stockholder's equity   349,059  327,379 
Preferred stock  14,105  39,105 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  121,167  133,887 
   484,331  500,371 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  25,774  26,524 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  25,597  11,852 
Other  20,000  - 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  25,282  46,368 
Other  2,627  1,436 
Accrued taxes  26,158  14,055 
Accrued interest  1,988  1,872 
Other  8,712  8,802 
   136,138  110,909 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  84,400  93,418 
Asset retirement obligation  142,872  138,284 
Retirement benefits  50,697  49,834 
Regulatory liabilities  36,888  18,454 
Other  10,604  9,886 
   325,461  309,876 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $945,930 $921,156 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of       
these balance sheets.       
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $23,040 $20,364 $53,753 $57,978 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
 Provision for depreciation   3,847  3,556  11,351  10,390 
 Amortization of regulatory assets   9,784  9,979  29,499  30,082 
 Nuclear fuel and other amortization   4,634  4,550  12,912  13,546 
 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (2,612) (501) (7,567) (2,852)
 Pension trust contribution   -  (12,934) -  (12,934)
 Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
    Receivables  4,303  (30,285) 15,141  (10,551)
    Materials and supplies  755  (1,078) (51) (3,374)
    Prepayments and other current assets  5,074  4,164  (3,186) (3,977)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
    Accounts payable  (9,161) 40,306  (29,056) 21,678 
    Accrued taxes  5  (2,485) 12,108  2,301 
    Accrued interest  (353) (986) (237) (2,415)
Other   564  1,353  1,027  5,294 
    Net cash provided from operating activities  39,880  36,003  95,694  105,166 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Short-term borrowings, net   -  -  22,969  10,789 
Equity contribution from parent   -  25,000  -  25,000 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock   -  -  (37,750) - 
Long-term debt   (39) (20,508) (849) (63,297)
Short-term borrowings, net   (10,776) (11,414) -  - 
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   -  -  (8,000) (23,000)
Preferred stock   (156) (639) (1,534) (1,919)
    Net cash used for financing activities  (10,971) (7,561) (25,164) (52,427)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (28,537) (24,670) (69,630) (56,080)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (399) (399) (1,196) (1,196)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies  (187) (36) (14) 5,975 
Other  214  (3,337) 296  (1,440)
   Net cash used for investing activities  (28,909) (28,442) (70,544) (52,741)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  (14) (2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  24  38  38  40 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $24 $38 $24 $38 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of these statements.  
              
 
 
106


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $15,711 $17,944 $30,713 $37,614 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   3,810  3,472  7,504  6,834 
Amortization of regulatory assets   9,833  10,027  19,715  20,103 
Nuclear fuel and other amortization   4,138  4,431  8,278  8,996 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (2,644) (545) (4,955) (2,351)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
 Receivables  (1,054) 19,948  10,838  19,734 
 Materials and supplies  (1,024) (1,221) (806) (2,296)
 Prepayments and other current assets  5,221  5,192  (8,260) (8,141)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
 Accounts payable  (17,005) (22,368) (19,895) (18,628)
 Accrued taxes  683  (4,023) 12,103  4,786 
 Accrued interest  374  527  116  (1,429)
Other   (315) 1,084  463  3,941 
 Net cash provided from operating activities  17,728  34,468  55,814  69,163 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Short-term borrowings, net   34,953  -  33,745  22,203 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Preferred stock   (37,750) -  (37,750) - 
Long-term debt   (810) (487) (810) (42,789)
Short-term borrowings, net   -  (6,881) -  - 
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   -  (15,000) (8,000) (23,000)
Preferred stock   (738) (640) (1,378) (1,280)
 Net cash used for financing activities  (4,345) (23,008) (14,193) (44,866)
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (12,571) (17,412) (41,093) (31,410)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (398) (398) (797) (797)
Loan repayments from associated companies  192  6,127  173  6,011 
Other  (620) 221  82  1,897 
 Net cash used for investing activities  (13,397) (11,462) (41,635) (24,299)
              
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (14) (2) (14) (2)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  38  40  38  40 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $24 $38 $24 $38 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Power Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
              
107117



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Pennsylvania Power Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Pennsylvania Power Company and its subsidiary as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005


108118


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 
Penn is a wholly owned, electric utility subsidiary of OE. Penn conducts business in western Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric distribution services. Penn also provides generation services to those customers electing to retain Penn as their power supplier. Penn provides power directly to wholesale customers under previously negotiated contracts. Penn has unbundled the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges. Its power supply requirements are provided by FES - an affiliated company.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in the secondthird quarter of 2005 decreasedincreased to $15$23 million from $17$20 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The lowerincreased earnings resulted primarily from increasedhigher operating revenues and lower operating expenses and taxes. Earnings on common stock infor the first sixnine months of 2005 decreased to $29$52 million from $36$56 million infor the same period of 2004. The lower earnings resulted primarily from decreaseda decrease in operating revenues and other income, partially offset by lower operating expenses and taxes and lower net interest charges.

Operating revenues decreasedincreased by $0.3$2 million, or 1.5%, in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared with the secondthird quarter of 2004. The lowerHigher revenues in the third quarter of 2005 primarily resulted from increased retail generation sales revenues of $6 million and a $9$2 million increase in rental revenues, partially offset by a $6 million decrease in wholesale sales to FES due to less nuclearFES. Retail generation available for sale. Higher retail electric generation revenuessales increased as a result of $5 million resulted from increased KWH sales to residential (7.6%) and commercial (4.0%) customers, due to warmer weather in Penn's service area, and a 19.8% KWH sales increase to industrial customers, primarily due to cooler weatherwithin the steel sector.

Revenues from distribution deliveries in the secondthird quarter of 2005 in Penn's service area. These increases wereincreased slightly from the third quarter of 2004, as lower unit prices partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in revenues from industrial customers, reflecting lower KWH sales volume (11.7%) due in part to a 30.4% decrease in sales to a steel customer.

A $3 million10.2% increase in distribution throughput revenues was primarily due to higher KWH deliveries to residential and commercial customers due to the changes in weather. This increase in revenue was partially offset bysales. The lower KWH sales and unit prices for industrial customers. The changes in unit prices arewere primarily attributable to changes in Penn's CTC rate schedules in April 2005 as a result of the annual CTC reconciliation. Increased revenues from distribution deliveries to residential ($0.3 million) and industrial ($0.8 million) customers were offset by a $1 million decrease in revenues from commercial customers.

Operating revenues decreased by $8$6 million or 3%, in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same period of 2004. The lower operating revenues primarily resulted from an $18reflected a $24 million decrease in wholesale sales to FES, due to less nuclear generation available for sale. Retail generation electric revenues increased by $8 million in all customer sectors due to higher retail generation KWH sales and higher composite unit prices. Industrial revenues increased by $2 million due to higher unit prices ($4 million), partially offset by a $2higher retail sales of $14 million. Higher retail electric generation revenues of $14 million decrease due to lowerresulted from increased KWH sales which reflect in part an 18.6% decrease in sales to a steel customer.

In the first six months of 2005, distribution throughput revenues increased by $0.2 million primarily due toall sectors (Residential - 8.0%, Commercial - 5.6% and Industrial - 1.5%) and higher KWH deliveries to residential and commercial customers, partially offset by lower unit prices for commercial and industrial customers. Colder weather contributed
In the first nine months of 2005, revenues from distribution deliveries increased by $0.3 million compared to the highersame period of 2004. An increase in total KWH deliveries and the changes inof 5.0% was offset by lower unit prices, are attributable toreflecting the changes in Penn's CTC rate schedules in April 2005.rates discussed above. Increased revenues from distribution deliveries to residential customers of $4 million were partially offset by lower revenues from commercial ($1 million) and industrial ($2 million) customers.

Changes in kilowatt-hour sales by customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 from the corresponding periods of 2004 are summarized in the following table:


 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Electric Generation:          
Retail  4.5% 2.5%  10.2% 5.0%
Wholesale  (7.4)% (7.6)%  (1.4)% (5.5)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
(2.8
)%
 
(3.6
)%
  3.1
%
 (1.4
)%
             
Distribution Deliveries:             
Residential  22.6% 8.2%  7.6% 8.0%
Commercial  11.7% 6.5%  4.0% 5.6%
Industrial  (11.7)% (5.7)%  19.8% 1.5%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
4.5
%
 
2.5
%
  10.2
%
 5.0
%
             



109119


Operating Expenses and Taxes
 
Total operating expenses and taxes increaseddecreased by $3$1 million in the secondthird quarter and decreased by $2 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 from the same periods last year.of 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.


 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Fuel costs $- $(1) $- $(1)
Purchased power costs  (1) (3)  (2) (4)
Nuclear operating costs  3 4   (3 1 
Other operating costs  1 -   3  3 
General taxes  2 2   -  2 
Income taxes  (2) (4)  1  (3)
Net increase (decrease) in operating expenses and taxes
 $3 $(2)
Net decrease in operating expenses and taxes
 $(1$(2)
             
 

Lower fuel costsThe decrease in the first six months of 2005, compared with the same period of 2004, resulted from reduced nuclear generation. Lower purchased power costs in the second quarterthree months and first half ofnine months ended September 30, 2005 reflectedresulted from lower unit prices for power. Nuclear operating costs increased in both periods of 2005, compared to the corresponding periods of 2004, due to a Perry scheduled refueling outage (including an unplanned extension)were lower in the first and second quarters of 2005, a Beaver Valley Unit 2 scheduled refueling outage in the secondthird quarter of 2005, reflecting a decrease in labor and postretirement benefit expenses from the absencethird quarter of nuclear refueling outages in the first half of last year.2004. Other operating costs increasedwere higher in the second quarterthree months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 as the result of 2005 primarily due to increased vegetation managementtransmission related expenses and MISO Day 2 expensesassociated with MISO's energy market that began in the second quarter ofon April 1, 2005. General taxes increased in both periods of 2005 primarily because of higher property and gross receipts taxes.

Other Income

Other income (net of income taxes) increaseddecreased slightly in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and decreased by $1$2 million in the first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the same periods in 2004. The decrease in the first half of 2005 was due tonine month period reflects liabilities recognized in the first quarter of 2005 for a $0.7 million civil penalty and $0.8 million for probable future cash contributions toward environmentally beneficial projects related to the W. H. Sammis Plant settlement (see Outlook - Environmental Matters) and the absence of a $1 million gain from the sale of an investment in the first six months of 2004..

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasingdecreased by $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2005 and $1 million in the first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 from the corresponding periodsperiod last year, reflecting redemptions of $35$40 million in total principal amount of debt securities since the second quarter ofOctober 1, 2004.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Penn’s cash requirements for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions are expected to be met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets. Available borrowingBorrowing capacity under credit facilities will be usedis available to manage working capital requirements.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Penn had $24,000 of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $38,000 as of December 31, 2004. The major sources of changes in these balances are summarized below.



110

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net cash provided from operating activities in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005, compared with the corresponding 2004 periods, was as follows:


  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (*)
 $32 $36 $62 $74 
Working capital and other  (14) (2) (6) (5)
Total cash flows form operating activities $18 $34 $56 $69 
              
(*) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
       
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (1)
 $40 $34 $101 $108 
Pension trust contribution(2) 
  -  (8) -  (8)
Working capital and other  -  10  (5) 5 
Total cash flows from operating activities $40 $36 $96 $105 
              
(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $5 million of income tax benefits.
       

 
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Cash earnings (in the table above) are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Penn believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
Net income (GAAP) $16 $18 $31 $38  $23 $20 $54 $58 
Non-cash charges (credits):                       
Provision for depreciation  4 3  8  7   4 4  11 10 
Amortization of regulatory assets  10 10  20  20   10 10  29 30 
Nuclear fuel and other amortization  4 4  8  9   5 4  13 14 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (3 -  (5 (2  (3) (5 (8) (8
Other non-cash items  1  1  -  2   1  1  2  4 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $32 $36 $62 $74  $40 $34 $101 $108 
                       
 

The $4$6 million and $12 million decreasesincrease in cash earnings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and six-month period, respectively,the $7 million decrease in cash earnings for the first nine months of 2005, as compared to the corresponding periods of 2004, are described under "Results“Results of Operations." The $12 million working capital change in the second quarter was primarily due to a $21$10 million change in receivables, partially offset by changes of $5 million in accounts payable and $5 million in accrued taxes. The $1 million working capital changeand other in the six monththree-month period was primarily due to a $9$49 million change in receivables, almost entirelyaccounts payable, partially offset by changes of $1$35 million in receivables, $2 million in materials and supplies, and $2 million in accrued taxes. The $10 million change in working capital and other in the nine-month period was primarily due to a $51 million change in accounts payable, partially offset by changes of $26 million in receivables, $3 million in materials and $7supplies, and $10 million in accrued taxes.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $4$11 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005, compared with $23$8 million in the same period last year. The $19$3 million increase resulted primarily from the absence of a $25 million equity contribution from OE in the third quarter of 2004, partially offset by a $21 million decrease in debt redemptions and repayments in the third quarter of 2005.

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $25 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, compared with $52 million in the same period last year. The $27 million decrease resulted primarily from an increasereduced long-term debt redemptions and common stock dividend payments in netthe first nine months of 2005, offset by reduced short-term borrowings higher optional redemptions of preferred stock and reduced common stock dividends to OEOE's $25 million equity contribution in the second quarter of 2005, compared with the second quarter of 2004.

On May 16, 2005, Penn redeemed all 127,500 outstanding shares of 7.625% preferred stock at $102.29 per share and all 250,000 outstanding shares of 7.75% preferred stock at $100 per share, both plus accrued dividends to the date of redemption. The total par value of the preferred stock redeemed was $37.8 million.

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $14 million in the first six months of 2005, compared with $45 million in the same period last year. The $31 million decrease resulted primarily from increased short-term borrowings and optional redemptions of preferred stock, reduced debt redemptions and a decrease in common stock dividends to OE in the first six months of 2005, compared with the corresponding 2004 period.

Penn had $472,000$590,000 of cash and temporary investments (which included short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $46$35 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Penn has authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to its charter limit of $49 million (including the utility money pool).$51 million. As of October 24, 2005, Penn had the capability to issue $498approximately $520 million of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds asfollowing the recently completed intra-system transfer of June 30, 2005.fossil generating plants (See Note 17) . Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests, Penn could issue up to $373$383 million of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. It is estimated that the annualized impact of the intra-system transfer of fossil generating plants will reduce the capability of Penn to issue preferred stock by approximately 14%. The above financing capabilities do not take into consideration changes related to the intercompany transfer of generating assets (see Note 17).
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On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing and the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. Penn's borrowing limit under the facility is $50$51 million.

Penn has the ability to borrow from its regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of such a loan, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50%.
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In addition, Penn Power Funding LLC (Penn Funding), a wholly owned subsidiary of Penn, is a limited liability company whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from Penn. Penn Funding can borrow up to $25 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, Penn Funding would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to Penn. As of June 30, 2005, theThe facility was not drawn for $20 million.as of September 30, 2005. On July 15, 2005, the facility was renewed until June 29, 2006. The annual facility fee is 0.25% on the entire finance limit.

Penn’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and the securities of OE and FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook on all securities is positive.

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and its nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in their outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $13$29 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005, compared with $11$28 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The $2 million increase reflects a decrease in loan repayments from associated companies, partially offset by a decrease in property additions. NetFor the nine months ended September 30, 2005, net cash used in investing activities totaled $42$71 million, in the first six months of 2005, compared with $24$53 million in the same period last year. The $18 million increase was primarily athe result of increasedhigher expenditures for property additions in 2005 and reduced loan repayments from associated companies.

DuringIn the second halflast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions are expected to be about $54 million, including $10 million for nuclear fuel.$32 million. Penn also expects to contribute up to $65$63 million (unfunded liability recognized as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005) for nuclear decommissioning in connection with the generation asset transfers described below, and has additional requirements of $0.5 million to meet sinking fund requirements for long-term debt during the remainder of 2005. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements.

Penn’s Penn's capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $227 million, (excluding nuclear fuel), of which approximately $81$87 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $66 million, of which about $15 million relates to 2005. During the same periods, Penn’s nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $53 million and $17 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed. After completion of the asset transfers described further below, Penn’s future capital requirements are expected to be substantially reduced and the nuclear fuel obligations would be terminated. Penn had no other material obligations as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 that have not been recognized on its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

On July 22, 2005, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (Exchange) filed an application with the SEC for termination of the listing of the following three series of Penn’s cumulative preferred stock, $100 par value, as such series no longer met the Exchange’s technical listing requirements regarding the number of outstanding shares and the number of holders: 4.24% Series, 4.25% Series and 4.64% Series. The Exchange requested anOn August 17, 2005, the SEC granted the Exchange's application for delisting effective date of August 12,18, 2005.
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Equity Price Risk

Included in Penn’s nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $60 million and $57 million as of both dates, JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004.2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $6 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

FirstEnergy Intra-System Generation Asset Transfers

On May 13, 2005, Penn entered into an agreement to transfer its ownership interests in its nuclear and fossil generating facilities to NGC and FGCO, respectively.

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On October 24, 2005, Penn completed the transfer of fossil generation assets to FGCO. Penn currently expects to complete the transfer of nuclear generation assets to NGC through a spin-off by way of dividend before the end of 2005. Consummation of the nuclear transfer remains subject to necessary regulatory approvals.

These transactions are being undertaken in connection with Penn’s restructuring plan that was approved by the PPUC under applicable Pennsylvania electric utility restructuring legislation. Consistent with the restructuring plan, Penn’s generation assets were required to be separated from the regulated delivery business through transfers to a separate corporate entity. FENOC a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, currently operates and maintains the nuclear generation assets to be transferred. FGCO, as lessee under a master facility lease, leasesMaster Facility Lease, leased, operated and maintained the non-nuclear generation assets to be transferred and operates and maintains those assets.that it now owns. The transactions will essentially complete the divestitures contemplated by the restructuring plansplan by transferring the ownership interests to NGC and FGCO, respectively, without impacting the operation of the plants.

Penn intendsSee Note 17 to transfer its interests in the nuclear generationconsolidated financial statements for disclosure of Penn's assets to NGC through a spin-off by wayheld for sale as of a dividend. FGCO intends to exercise a purchase option under the Master Lease to acquire Penn’s fossil generation assets. Consummation of the transactions is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory authorizations and other consents and approvals. Penn expects to complete the asset transfers in the second half ofSeptember 30, 2005.

Regulatory Matters
 
Regulatory assets and liabilities are costs which have been authorized by the PPUC and the FERC for recovery from or credit to customers in future periods and, without such authorization, would have been charged or credited to income when incurred. Penn's net regulatory liabilities were approximately $37$48 million and $18 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively, and are included in Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In October 11, 2005, Penn filed a plan with the PPUC to secure electricity supply for its customers at set rates following the end of its transition period on December 31, 2006. Penn is recommending that the Request for Proposal process cover the period of January 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Under Pennsylvania's electric competition law, Penn is required to secure generation supply for customers who do not choose alternative suppliers for their electricity.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania, including a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives.

Environmental Matters

Penn accrues environmental liabilities when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in Penn’s determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 2005 and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.2005.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On March 10, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Interstate Rule" covering a total of 28 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air emissions from 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. CAIR will requireprovides each affected state until 2006 to develop implementing regulations to achieve additional reductions of NOx and SO2emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2009 for NOx, 2010 for SO2 and Phase II in 2015 for both NOx and SO2)., in all cases from the 2003 levels. Penn's Ohio and Pennsylvania fossil-fuelfossil-fired generation facilities will be subject to the caps on SO2 and NOxemissions. According to the EPA, SO2 emissions will be reduced by 45% (from 2003 levels) by 2010 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 73% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, capping SO2 emissions in affected states to just 2.5 million tons annually. NOx emissions will be reduced by 53% (from 2003 levels) by 2009 across the states covered by the rule, with reductions reaching 61% (from 2003 levels) by 2015, achieving a regional NOx cap of 1.3 million tons annually. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial and will depend on how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which Penn operates affected facilities.



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Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On March 14, 2005, the EPA finalized the "Clean Air Mercury Rule," which provides a cap-and-trade program to reduce mercury emissions in two phases from coal-fired power plants.plants in two phases. Initially, mercury emissions will declinebe capped nationally at 38 tons by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's CAIR program. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program will cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year by 2018. The futureHowever, the final rules give states substantial discretion in developing rules to implement these programs. In addition, both the CAIR and the Clean Air Mercury rule have been challenged in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities coveringalleging violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which iswas owned at that time by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)DOJ filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, including a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. On March 18, 2005, OE and Penn announced that they had reached a settlement with the EPA, the DOJ and three states (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) that resolved all issues related to the W. H. Sammis Plant New Source Review litigation. This settlement agreement, which is in the form of a Consent Decree, that was approved by the Court on July 11, 2005, requires OE and Penn to reduce emissions from theNOx and SO2 emission at W. H. Sammis Plant and other coal-fired plants through the installation of pollution control devices requiring capitaldevices. Capital expenditures necessary to meet those requirements are currently estimated to be $1.1$1.5 billion (primarily(the primary portion of which is expected to be spent in the 2008 to 2011 time period). The settlement agreement also requires OE and Penn to spend up to $25 million toward environmentally beneficial projects, which include wind energy purchasepurchased power agreements over a 20-year term. OE and Penn agreed to pay a civil penalty of $8.5 million, of which Penn's share iswas $0.7 million. Results for the first quarter of 2005 included the $0.7 million penalty payable by Penn and ana $0.8 million liability for probable future cash contributions toward environmentally beneficial projects.

Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a Committee on Climate Change Technology to coordinate federal climate change activities and promote the development and deployment of GHG reducing technologies.

Penn cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by Penn is lower than many regional competitors due to Penn's diversified generation sources which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to Penn's normal business operations pending against Penn. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.


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On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new or material upgrades to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, thatThe FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
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One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it would increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the preceding two years.years and the licensee's failure to take prompt and effective corrective action. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which Penn currently has a 5.24% interest (however, see Note 17 regarding FirstEnergy’s pending intra-system generation asset transfers, which will include owned portions of the plant).

On April 4, 2005, the NRC held a public forummeeting to discuss FENOC’s performance at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as identified in the NRC's annual assessment letter to FENOC. Similar public meetings are held with all nuclear power plant licensees following issuance by the NRC of their annual assessments. According to the NRC, overall the Perry Plant operated "in a manner that preserved public health and safety" and met all cornerstone objectives althougheven though it remained under the heightened NRC oversight since August 2004.oversight. During the public forummeeting and in the annual assessment, the NRC indicated that additional inspections will continue and that the plant must improve performance to be removed from the Multiple/Repetitive Degraded Cornerstone Column of the Action Matrix.


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On May 26, 2005, the NRC held a public meeting to discuss its oversight of the Perry Plant. While the NRC stated that the plant continued to operate safely, the NRC also stated that the overall performance had not substantially improved since the heightened inspection was initiated. The NRC reiterated this conclusion in its mid-year assessment letter dated August 30, 2005. On September 28, 2005, the NRC sent a CAL to FENOC describing commitments that FENOC had made to improve the performance of Perry and stated that the CAL would remain open until substantial improvement was demonstrated. The CAL was anticipated as part of the NRC's Reactor Oversight Process. If performance does not improve, the NRC has a range of options under the Reactor Oversight Process, from increased oversight to possible impact to the plant’s operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.condition, results of operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

SFAS 154EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, Penn will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacementan interpretation of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for Penn in the fourth quarter of 2005. Penn is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

SFAS 154 - “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Penn will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for Penn. This FSP is not expected to have a material impact on Penn's financial statements.
 
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FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement ObligationsSFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an interpretationamendment of FASB StatementARB No. 143"43, Chapter 4”

On March 30, 2005,In November 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47SFAS 151 to clarify the scopeaccounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and timingwasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are requiredfixed production overheads to recognize a liability for the fair valuecost of an asset retirement obligation that is conditionalconversion be based on a future event, if the fair valuenormal capacity of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation isproduction facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore,for inventory costs incurred by Penn will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005.beginning January 1, 2006. Penn is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willStandard and does not expect it to have a material impact on itsthe financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1,FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Penn is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, Penn continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



116127



JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
                  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                  
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In thousands)
  
(In thousands)
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  
                  
OPERATING REVENUES
 $595,291 $549,665 $1,124,383 $1,047,789  $900,247 $706,613 $2,024,630 $1,754,402 
                       
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                       
Purchased power  321,393  285,742  598,525  556,475   517,212 387,282 1,115,737 943,757 
Other operating costs  80,239  80,844  181,306  167,660   112,690 91,516 293,996 259,176 
Provision for depreciation  19,856  19,093  40,062  38,168   19,659 18,435 59,721 56,603 
Amortization of regulatory assets  70,250  67,949  138,624  132,434   84,388 84,271 223,012 216,705 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (27,765) -  (27,765) -   - - (27,765) - 
General taxes  14,824  14,738  30,264  30,670   19,538 17,901 49,802 48,571 
Income taxes  42,366  26,343  54,849  35,456   55,729  35,099  110,578  70,555 
Total operating expenses and taxes   521,163  494,709  1,015,865  960,863   809,216  634,504  1,825,081  1,595,367 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
  74,128  54,956  108,518  86,926   91,031  72,109  199,549  159,035 
                       
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  273  1,104  317  2,607   3,014  1,996  3,331  4,603 
                       
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                       
Interest on long-term debt  19,276  19,803  38,681  40,531   18,162 21,709 56,843 62,240 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (437) (151) (840) (271)  (497) (169) (1,337) (440)
Deferred interest  (916) (891) (1,827) (1,814)  (1,069) (871) (2,896) (2,685)
Other interest expense  1,155  463  2,979  853   2,283  1,105  5,262  1,958 
Net interest charges   19,078  19,224  38,993  39,299   18,879  21,774  57,872  61,073 
                       
NET INCOME
  55,323  36,836  69,842  50,234   75,166 52,331 145,008 102,565 
                       
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
  125  125  250  250   125  125  375  375 
                       
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 $55,198 $36,711 $69,592 $49,984  $75,041 $52,206 $144,633 $102,190 
                       
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                       
                       
NET INCOME
 $55,323 $36,836 $69,842 $50,234  $75,166 $52,331 $145,008 $102,565 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                       
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges  36  59  105  44   102 173 208 217 
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  -  -  -  (8)  -  -  -  (8)
Other comprehensive income   36  59  105  36   102 173 208 209 
Income tax related to other comprehensive income  (15) -  (43) 4 
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  42  (1,542) 85  (1,546)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax   21  59  62  40   60  1,715  123  1,755 
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $55,344 $36,895 $69,904 $50,274  $75,226 $54,046 $145,131 $104,320 
                       
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an 
integral part of these statements.             
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these statements.The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these statements.  
 
 
117128


 

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
June 30,
 
December 31,
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In thousands)
  
(In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
          
UTILITY PLANT:
          
In service $3,803,593 $3,730,767  $3,840,213 $3,730,767 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  1,409,221  1,380,775   1,424,801  1,380,775 
  2,394,372  2,349,992   2,415,412 2,349,992 
Construction work in progress  76,134  75,012   85,335  75,012 
  2,470,506  2,425,004   2,500,747  2,425,004 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
             
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  139,831  138,205   143,937 138,205 
Nuclear fuel disposal trust  163,074  159,696   164,070 159,696 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  19,767  20,436   19,751 20,436 
Other  16,459  19,379   16,597  19,379 
  339,131  337,716   344,355  337,716 
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash and cash equivalents  412  162   571 162 
Receivables -             
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $3,101,000 and $3,881,000,       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,264,000 and $3,881,000,      
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   273,361  201,415   313,730 201,415 
Associated companies  4,387  86,531   1,171 86,531 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $241,000 and $162,000,       
Other (less accumulated provisions of $239,000 and $162,000,      
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   35,824  39,898   38,569 39,898 
Materials and supplies, at average cost  2,258  2,435   1,863 2,435 
Prepayments and other  98,014  31,489   33,254  31,489 
  414,256  361,930   389,158  361,930 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
             
Regulatory assets  2,137,692  2,176,520   2,310,532 2,176,520 
Goodwill  1,983,699  1,985,036   1,983,699 1,985,036 
Other  3,958  4,978   2,850  4,978 
  4,125,349  4,166,534   4,297,081  4,166,534 
 $7,349,242 $7,291,184  $7,531,341 $7,291,184 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
             
CAPITALIZATION:
             
Common stockholder's equity -             
Common stock, $10 par value, authorized 16,000,000 shares -             
15,371,270 shares outstanding  $153,713 $153,713  $153,713 $153,713 
Other paid-in capital  3,014,583  3,013,912   3,014,600 3,013,912 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (55,472) (55,534)  (55,411) (55,534)
Retained earnings  72,863  43,271   104,904  43,271 
Total common stockholder's equity   3,185,687  3,155,362   3,217,806 3,155,362 
Preferred stock  12,649  12,649   12,649 12,649 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  1,022,320  1,238,984   1,017,478  1,238,984 
  4,220,656  4,406,995   4,247,933  4,406,995 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Currently payable long-term debt  166,868  16,866   167,045 16,866 
Notes payable -             
Associated companies  279,105  248,532   114,932 248,532 
Accounts payable -             
Associated companies  13,900  20,605   8,968 20,605 
Other  163,524  124,733   162,583 124,733 
Accrued taxes  59,844  2,626   78,342 2,626 
Accrued interest  9,770  10,359   23,535 10,359 
Other  57,661  65,130   152,638  65,130 
  750,672  488,851   708,043  488,851 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Power purchase contract loss liability  1,202,184  1,268,478   1,410,659 1,268,478 
Accumulated deferred income taxes  691,505  645,741   670,514 645,741 
Nuclear fuel disposal costs  172,207  169,884   173,591 169,884 
Asset retirement obligation  74,869  72,655   76,002 72,655 
Retirement benefits  99,755  103,036   100,567 103,036 
Other  137,394  135,544   144,032  135,544 
  2,377,914  2,395,338   2,575,365  2,395,338 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
              
 $7,349,242 $7,291,184  $7,531,341 $7,291,184 
             
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an     
integral part of these balance sheets.       
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these blance sheets. The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these blance sheets.   
      
 
 
118129

 

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
                  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                  
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In thousands)
  
(In thousands)
 
                  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                  
Net income $55,323 $36,836 $69,842 $50,234  $75,166 $52,331 $145,008 $102,565 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from                       
operating activities -                       
Provision for depreciation   19,856  19,093  40,062  38,168   19,659 18,436 59,721 56,603 
Amortization of regulatory assets   70,250  67,949  138,624  132,434   84,388 84,269 223,012 216,704 
Deferral of new regulatory assets   (27,765) -  (27,765)     - - (27,765) - 
Deferred purchased power and other costs   (52,906) (40,408) (126,265) (78,390)  (42,381) (77,162) (168,646) (155,552)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   9,258  (19,977) 16,426  (19,747)  (11,222) 6,165 5,204 (13,582)
Accrued retirement benefit obligation   1,447  2,946  (3,281) (8,768)  813 2,888 (2,468) (5,880)
Accrued compensation, net   (10,161) 39  (4,748) (816)  671 1,547 (4,077) 731 
NUG power contract restructuring   -  52,800  -  52,800   - - - 52,800 
Cash collateral from suppliers   76,978 - 76,978 - 
Pension trust contribution   - (62,499) - (62,499)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -                        
Receivables  (577) 6,405  14,271  7,843   (39,897) (34,749) (25,626) (26,906)
Materials and supplies  95  (11) 177  347   395 64 572 411 
Prepayments and other current assets  (75,775) (64,080) (66,525) (39,704)  64,761 34,664 (1,764) (5,040)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -                        
Accounts payable  62,477  16,294  32,087  945   (5,873) 57,485 26,214 58,430 
Accrued taxes  18,341  14,288  57,218  63,768   18,498 (27,924) 75,716 35,844 
Accrued interest  (15,308) (16,006) (589) (5,228)  13,765 16,709 13,176 11,481 
Other   4,731  (23,388) 17,054  (19,064)  6,928  27,603  23,982  8,539 
Net cash provided from operating activities  59,286  52,780  156,588  174,822   262,649  99,827  419,237  274,649 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
New Financing-                       
Long-term debt   -  300,000  -  300,000   - - - 300,000 
Short-term borrowings, net   74,310  7,552  30,572  - 
Redemptions and Repayments-                       
Long-term debt   (59,444) (293,477) (63,327) (297,068)  (4,321) (7,082) (67,648) (304,150)
Short-term borrowings, net   -  -  -  (72,192)  (164,172) (456) (133,600) (72,648)
Dividend Payments-                       
Common stock   (20,000) (15,000) (40,000) (20,000)  (43,000) (40,000) (83,000) (60,000)
Preferred stock   (125) (125) (250) (250)  (125) (125) (375) (375)
Net cash used for financing activities  (5,259) (1,050) (73,005) (89,510)  (211,618) (47,663) (284,623) (137,173)
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Property additions  (54,537) (55,213) (82,661) (83,425)  (50,837) (52,507) (133,498) (135,932)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  1,568  645  670  (411)  15 (711) 685 (1,122)
Other  (687) 2,838  (1,342) (1,465)  (50) 1,049  (1,392) (416)
Net cash used for investing activities  (53,656) (51,730) (83,333) (85,301)  (50,872) (52,169) (134,205) (137,470)
                       
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  371  -  250  11 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  159 (5) 409 6 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  41  282  162  271   412  282  162  271 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $412 $282 $412 $282  $571 $277 $571 $277 
                       
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral  
part of these statements.             
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these statements.The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Jersey Central Power & Light Company are an integral part of these statements.   
                       
          



119130


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Jersey Central
Power & Light Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Jersey Central Power & Light Company and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 9 to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 6 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005



120131


JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


JCP&L is a wholly owned, electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. JCP&L conducts business in New Jersey, providing regulated electric transmission and distribution services. JCP&L also provides generation services to those customers electing to retain JCP&L as their power supplier. JCP&L has restructured its electric rates into unbundled service charges and transition cost recovery charges. JCP&L continues to deliver power to homes and businesses through its existing distribution system.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in the secondthird quarter of 2005 increased to $55$75 million from $37$52 million in the third quarter of 2004. ForDuring the first sixnine months of 2005, earnings on common stock increased to $70$145 million compared to $50$102 million for the same period of 2004. The increase in earnings for both periods was primarily due to higher operating revenues and the deferral of a new regulatory asset, partially offset by increases in purchased power costs.costs, other operating costs and income taxes. Other operating costs were also higher in the first six monthsboth periods of 2005 comparedincluded a charge of $16 million for potential awards related to the same period in 2004.a labor arbitration decision (see note 13 - Other Legal Matters).
 
Operating revenues increased $46$194 million or 8.3%27.4% in the secondthird quarter and $77$270 million or 7.3%15.4% in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods in 2004. The higher revenuesIncreases in both periods were primarily due to increasedhigher retail electric generation, revenues ($33 million for the second quarterdistribution and $51 million for the first six months of 2005) and distribution revenues ($22 million for the second quarter and $34 million for the first six months of 2005), partially offset by a decline in wholesale revenues ($4 million for the second quarter and $8 million for the first six months of 2005).revenues.

Higher retailRetail generation revenues increased by $82 million in both the secondthird quarter and $134 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 as compared to the previous year resulted from increasedyear. Higher KWH sales to residential and commercial customers. Revenue from residential customers increased generation revenues by $45 million in the secondthird quarter and $81 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 by $22 million and $36 million, respectively.2005. Commercial generation revenue increased for the same periods of 2005 by $12$33 million and $20$54 million, respectively. The increases were attributable to higher KWH sales (residential - 18.2%14.9% and commercial - 10.0%20.3% in the secondthird quarter of 2005; residential - 15.5%15.3% and commercial - 9.6%13.4% for the first sixnine months of 2005) primarily due to lowerwarmer weather and reduced customer shopping. Generation provided by alternative suppliers to residential and commercial customers as a percent of total sales delivered in JCP&L’s service area decreased by 11.1%6.9 and 5.4%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2005 and 11.6% and 4.5%,4.6 percentage points, respectively, in the first sixnine months of 2005. Industrial sales decreasedgeneration revenue increased by $0.4$4 million in the secondthird quarter, and $6but declined $2 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 reflecting the effect of 3.4% and 20.3% declines ina 25.6% KWH sales respectively.increase in the third quarter and a 9.3% decline in the first nine months of 2005.

JCP&L's BGS obligation has been transferred to external parties as a result of an NJBPU auction process that extended the termination of JCP&L's BGS obligation through May 2006 (see Outlook - Regulatory Matters). Higher unit prices resultedRevenues from the BGS auction. The increase in total retail generation KWH sales reduced energy available for sale in the wholesale market which resulted in lower wholesale sales revenues of $4increased by $49 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and $8 million$42 in the first sixnine months of 2005 as compared to the respective periodsprevious year, principally due to increased prices in 2004.2005. KWH sales to the wholesale sector increased in the quarter (5.5%) but declined for the first nine months (8.5%).

Distribution revenues increased by $22$62 million in the secondthird quarter and $34$96 million in the first sixnine months of 2005, as compared to the same periods of 2004, due to increased KWH deliveries to all customer sectors and higher composite unit prices, caused in part by the June 1, 2005 rate increase, and increased KWH sales to the residential and commercial sectors. The increase in distribution revenues from the industrial sector was partially offset by decreases in KWH sales.increase.

Operating revenues also reflected a $2 million payment received in the first six months of 2005 under a contract provision associated with the prior sale of TMI Unit 1. Under the contract, additional payments are received if subsequent energy prices rise above specified levels and are credited to JCP&L’s customers, resulting in no impact to current earnings.



121

Changes in kilowatt-hourKWH sales by customer class in the second quarterthree months and in the first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004 are summarized in the following table:


 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Electric Generation:          
Retail  13.5% 10.9%  17.2% 13.4%
Wholesale  (15.0)% (15.2)%  5.5% (8.5)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
  
6.2
%
 
4.2
%
  14.8
%
 8.2
%
              
Distribution Deliveries:              
Residential  5.1% 2.2%  15.6% 7.4%
Commercial  2.5% 3.2%  13.4% 6.7%
Industrial  (4.2)% (2.2)%  5.4% 0.4%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
2.7
%
 
2.0
%
  13.4
%
 6.2
%
              
132


Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased $26 million and $55by $175 million in the secondthird quarter and $230 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 respectively, as compared towith the prior year.same periods of 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.

 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Purchased power costs $36 $42  $130 $172 
Other operating costs  (1) 14   21  35 
Provision for depreciation  - 2   1  3 
Amortization of regulatory assets  3 6   -  7 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (28) (28)  -  (28)
General taxes  2  1 
Income taxes  16  19   21  40 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $26 $55  $175 $230 
             


As the result of higher KWH purchases to supply the increased retail generation sales, purchasedPurchased power costs increased by $36$130 million in the secondthird quarter and $42$172 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 as compared to the same periods in 2004.2004 due to higher KWH purchases to meet increased retail generation sales and, to a lesser extent, higher unit costs. Other operating costs decreased $1increased $21 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 but increased $14and $35 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004, reflecting in part the effects$16 million of expenses resulting from a JCP&L labor strike. The JCP&L labor strike, which affected approximately 1,300 employees, began on December 8, 2004 and lasted until March 15, 2005.arbitration decision.

Deferral of new regulatory assets decreased expenses by $28 million in both the second quarter and the first sixnine months of 2005, reflecting the NJBPU’s (see Regulatory Matters) approval for JCP&L to defer $28 million of previously incurred reliability expenses. Amortization of regulatory assets increased $3 million in the second quarter and $6$7 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 due to an increase in the level of MTC revenue recovery.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

JCP&L’s cash requirements infor the remainder of 2005 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities are expected to be met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets. Thereafter, JCP&L expects to meet its contractual obligations with cash from operations.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, JCP&L had $412,000$571,000 of cash and cash equivalents compared with $162,000 as of December 31, 2004. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.



122

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash provided from operating activities in the secondthird quarter and in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the corresponding periods of 2004, were as follows:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (1)
 $204 $64 $307 $177 
Pension trust contribution (2)
  -  (37) -  (37)
Working capital and other  58  73  112  135 
Total cash flows from operating activities $262 $100 $419 $275 
              
(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $25 million of income tax benefits.
         

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (*)
 $65 $66 $103 $113 
Working capital and other  (6 (13 54  62 
Total cash flows from operating activities $59 $53 $157 $175 
              
(*) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below). 
         

Cash earnings, (inas disclosed in the table above)above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. JCP&L believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $55 $37 $70 $50 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  20  19  40  38 
Amortization of regulatory assets  71  68  139  132 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  (28) -  (28) - 
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (53 (40 (126 (78
Deferred income taxes  9  (20 16  (20
Other non-cash items  (9 2  (8 (9
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $65 $66 $103 $113 
              
133


  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $75 $52 $145 $103 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  20  18  60  57 
Amortization of regulatory assets  84  84  223  217 
Deferral of new regulatory assets  -  -  (28) - 
Deferred purchased power and other costs  (42 (77 (169 (156
Deferred income taxes & investment tax credits, net  (11 (19 5  (39
Other non-cash items  78  6  71  (5
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $204 $64 $307 $177 
              


The $1$140 million and $10$130 million decreaseincreases in cash earnings for the secondthird quarter and the first sixnine months of 2005, isrespectively, are described above and under "Results“Results of Operations"Operations”. The $7$15 million increase for the second quarter and the $8$23 million decrease for the third quarter and the first sixnine months of 2005 from working capital primarily resulted from changesa reduction in receivables.accounts payables partially offset by an increase in accrued taxes. In the first nine months of 2004, JCP&L received $52.8 million in connection with restructuring a NUG power contract.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities was $5$212 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to $1$48 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increase resulted primarily from an increaseredemptions of short-term debt in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy.the third quarter of 2005. Net cash used for financing activities was $73$285 million for the first sixnine months of 2005 and $90$137 million for the same period of 2004. The $17$148 million reductionincrease resulted from a $37$124 million decreaseincrease in net debt redemptions partially offset byand a $20$23 million increase in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy. JCP&L retired $63 million of First Mortgage Bonds, Medium Term Notes and Secured Transition Bonds in the first six months of 2005.

JCP&L had approximately $412,000$571,000 of cash and temporary investments and $279$115 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. JCP&L has authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to its charter limit of $1.521$1.8 billion (including the utility money pool). JCP&L will not issue FMB other than as collateral for senior notes, since its senior note indentures prohibit (subject to certain exceptions) JCP&L from issuing any debt which is senior to the senior notes. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, JCP&L had the capability to issue $597$673 million of additional senior notes based upon FMB collateral. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests and its charter, JCP&L could issue $866$976 million of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing andor the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. JCP&L’s borrowing limit under the facility is $425 million.
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JCP&L has the ability to borrow from FirstEnergy and its regulated affiliates to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings was 2.93%3.50% in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and 2.79%3.03% in the first sixnine months of 2005.

JCP&L’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent oninfluenced by the ratings of its securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook from the rating agenciesS&P and Fitch on all suchsecurities is stable. Moody’s outlook on all securities is positive.

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy Corp. and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and as the nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s rating outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in itstheir outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow.flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.
134


On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $54$51 million in the secondthird quarter and $83$134 million for the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to $52 million and $85$137 million for the same periods of 2004. JCP&L’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $511 million for property additions, of which approximately $183$185 million applies to 2005. DuringIn the last two quartersquarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions and improvements are expected to be about $100$52 million.

Market Risk Information

JCP&L uses various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price fluctuations. ItsFirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout JCP&L. The committee is responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. The committee also oversees compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.activities.

Commodity Price Risk

JCP&L is exposed to marketprice risk primarily due to fluctuations influctuating electricity and natural gas prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, it uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options and futures contracts. The derivatives are used for hedging purposes. Most of its non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, JCP&L had commodity derivative contracts with a fair value of $14 million. A decrease of $1 million in the value of this asset was recorded in the first sixnine months of 2005 as a decrease in a regulatory liability, and therefore, had no impact on net income.

The valuation of derivative commodity contracts is based on observable market information to the extent that such information is available. In cases where such information is not available, JCP&L relies on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. JCP&L uses these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for valuation of derivative contracts as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 are summarized by year in the following table:




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Sources of Information -
                                
Fair Value by Contract Year
   
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
    
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
                                
                                
External sources (2)
  $3 $2 $2 $- $- $7 
Prices based on external sources(2)
  $3 $2 $3 $- $- $- $8 
Prices based on models    -  -  -  2  5  7     -  -  -  2  2  2  6 
Total   $3 $2 $2 $2 $5 $14    $3 $2 $3 $2 $2 $2 $14 
                              
(1) For the last two quarters of 2005.
              
(2) Broker quote sheets.
              
 
(1) For the last quarter of 2005.
(2) Broker quote sheets.


JCP&L performs sensitivity analyses to estimate its exposure to the market risk of its commodity position. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift in quoted market prices in the near term on derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on its consolidated financial position or cash flows as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current market value of approximately $79$82 million and $80 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in an $8 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.
135


Regulatory Matters
 
Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the NJBPU and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, would have been charged to income when incurred. JCP&L's regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $2.1$2.3 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively.

JCP&L is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of September 30, 2005, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $508 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of JCP&L's deferred balance upon application by JCP&L and a determination by the NJBPU that the conditions of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, JCP&L filed for approval of the securitization of the July 31, 2003 deferred balance. JCP&L is in discussions with the NJBPU staff as a result of the stipulated settlement agreements (as further discussed below) which recommended that the NJBPU issue an order regarding JCP&L's application. On July 20, 2005, JCP&L requested the NJBPU to set a procedural schedule for this matter and is awaiting NJBPU action.

The 2003 NJBPU decision on JCP&L's base electric rate proceeding ordered(the Phase I Order) disallowed certain regulatory assets and provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The Phase I Order also provided for a Phase II proceeding in which the NJBPU would review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards and determine whether the expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system'ssystem reliability are prudent and reasonable for rate recovery. Depending on its assessment of JCP&L's service reliability, the NJBPU could have increased JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decreased it to 9.25%. On August 15, 2003 and June 1, 2004, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU an interim motion and a supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU decision,Phase I Order, respectively. On July 7, 2004, the NJPBU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances; (2) the capital structure including the rate of return; (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requested an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually.

On May 25, 2005, the NJBPU approved two stipulated settlement agreements. The first stipulation between JCP&L and the NJBPU staff resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's motion for reconsideration of the 2003 NJBPU order (PhasePhase I Order).Order. The second stipulation between JCP&L, the NJBPU staff and the Ratepayer Advocate resolves all of the issues associated with JCP&L's Phase II proceeding. The stipulated settlements provide for, among other things, the following:

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million effective June 1, 2005, associated with the Phase I Order reconsideration;
·    An annual increase in distribution revenues of $23 million effective June 1, 2005, associated with the
    Phase I Order reconsideration;

·An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's Phase II Petition;
·    An annual increase in distribution revenues of $36 million effective June 1, 2005, related to JCP&L's
    Phase II Petition;

·An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its BGS/MTC deferred cost balance;
·    An annual reduction in both rates and amortization expense of $8 million, effective June 1, 2005, in
    anticipation of an NJBPU order regarding JCP&L's request to securitize up to $277 million of its deferred
    cost balance;

·An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and
·    An increase in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.5% to 9.75%; and

·A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in JCP&L's authorized return on common equity to its previous level of 9.5% after the target is not met for two consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% when the target is met for two consecutive quarters.
·    A commitment by JCP&L to maintain a target level of customer service reliability with a reduction in
    JCP&L's authorized return on common equity from 9.75% to 9.5% if the target is not met for two
    consecutive quarters. The authorized return on common equity would then be restored to 9.75% if the
    target is met for two consecutive quarters.



125

The Phase II stipulation included an agreement that the distribution revenuesrevenue increase also reflects a three-year amortization of JCP&L's one-time service reliability improvement costs incurred in 2003-2005. This resulted in the creation of a regulatory asset associated with the accelerated tree trimming and other reliability costs which were expensed in 2003 and 2004. The establishment of the new regulatory asset of approximately $28 million resulted in an increase to net income of approximately $16 million ($0.05 per share of FirstEnergy common stock) in the second quarter of 2005.
136


JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order.order for the period June 1, 2005 through May 31, 2006. New BGS tariffs reflecting the results of a February 2005 auction for the BGS supply became effective June 1, 2005. On May 5,July 1, 2005, the NJBPU issued an order thatJCP&L filed its BGS procurement proposals for post transition year four be filed by July 1, 2005.four. The NJBPU requested that the filings address transmission rate issues and rate design alternatives. JCP&L filed its proposal on July 1, 2005. The next auction is scheduled to take place in February 2006 for the annual supply period beginning June 1, 2006.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study. This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005. On March 18, 2005, JCP&L filed a response to those comments. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

As a result of outages experienced in JCP&L's service area in 2002 and 2003, the NJBPU had implemented reviews into JCP&L's service reliability. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)an MOU that set out specific tasks related to service reliability to be performed by JCP&L and a timetable for completion and endorsed JCP&L's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of an SRMa Special Reliability Master who made recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability andreliability. The Stipulation also incorporates the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of a focused audit of JCP&L's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). A Final Orderfinal order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. On February 11, 2005, JCP&L met with the Ratepayer Advocate to discuss reliability improvements. JCP&L continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made three filings pursuant to a settlement agreement previously approved by the FERC. JCP&L, was a partyMet-Ed and Penelec were parties to that proceeding and joined in two of the filings. In the first filing, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing rate design within the PJM RTO. In the second filing, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Interventions and protests were filed on February 22, 2005. In the third filing, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Pepco Holdings, Inc. requested a formula rate for transmission service provided within their respective zones. On May 31, 2005, the FERC issued an order on these cases. First, it set for hearing the existing rate design and indicated that it will issue a final order within six months. Second, the FERC approved the proposed Schedule 12 rate harmonization. Third, the FERC accepted the proposed formula rate, subject to referral and hearing procedures. On JuneSeptember 30, 2005, the PJM transmission owners filed a request for rehearing of the May 31, 2005 order. The rate design and formula rate filings continue to be litigated before the FERC. The outcome of these two cases cannot be predicted.

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in New Jersey.

Environmental Matters

JCP&L accrues environmental liabilities when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in JCP&L’s determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

JCP&L has been named as a PRP at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, JCP&L's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $47$46.8 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.
126


FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 20052005.
137


See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to normal business operations pending against JCP&L. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

Power Outages and Related Litigation
 
In July 1999, the Mid-Atlantic States experienced a severe heat wave, which resulted in power outages throughout the service territories of many electric utilities, including JCP&L's territory. In an investigation into the causes of the outages and the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of all four of New Jersey’s electric utilities, the NJBPU concluded that there was not a prima facie case demonstrating that, overall, JCP&L provided unsafe, inadequate or improper service to its customers. Two class action lawsuits (subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding) were filed in New Jersey Superior Court in July 1999 against JCP&L, GPU and other GPU companies, seeking compensatory and punitive damages arising from the July 1999 service interruptions in the JCP&L territory.

In August 2002, the trial court granted partial summary judgment to JCP&L and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and strict product liability. In November 2003, the trial court granted JCP&L's motion to decertify the class and denied plaintiffs' motion to permit into evidence their class-wide damage model indicating damages in excess of $50 million. These class decertification and damage rulings were appealed to the Appellate Division. The Appellate Division issued a decision on July 8, 2004, affirming the decertification of the originally certified class, but remanding for certification of a class limited to those customers directly impacted by the outages of JCP&L transformers in Red Bank, New Jersey. On September 8, 2004, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the motions filed by plaintiffs and JCP&L for leave to appeal the decision of the Appellate Division. JCP&L has filed a motion for summary judgment. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters and no liability has been accrued as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new or material upgrades to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, thatThe FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.



Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio State courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction and further appeals were unsuccessful. Two of these cases were refiled at the PUCO, one in 2004 and another in 2005. In each, individual complainants—three in one case and four in the other—seek damages related to the outages and also seek to represent others as part of a class action. FirstEnergy has filed responsive pleadings to both cases. The PUCO has dismissed the class allegations, stating that its rules of practice do not provide for class action complaints. Both cases are otherwise currently pending further proceedings. In addition to the two cases that were refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.
 
127138


One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

Other Legal Matters

JCP&L's bargaining unit employees filed a grievance challenging JCP&L's 2002 call-out procedure that required bargaining unit employees to respond to emergency power outages. On May 20, 2004, an arbitration panel concluded that the call-out procedure violated the parties’ collective bargaining agreement. At the conclusion of the June 1, 2005 hearing, the Arbitrator decided not to hear testimony on damages and closed the proceedings. On September 9, 2005, the Arbitrator issued an opinion to award approximately $16.1 million to the bargaining unit employees. JCP&L initiated an appeal of this award by filing a motion to vacate in Federal Court in New Jersey on October 18, 2005. JCP&L recognized a liability for the potential $16.1 million award during the three months ended September 30, 2005.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, JCP&L will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with JCP&L's current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for JCP&L in the fourth quarter of 2005. JCP&L is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

139


 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. JCP&L will adopt this standardStatement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this Interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannot be reasonably estimated,measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that fact anddo not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the reasons why must be disclosed.future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for FirstEnergy. This InterpretationFSP is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore,not expected to have a material impact on JCP&L will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. JCP&L is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its&L's financial statements.

EITF IssueSFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 03-1,43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by JCP&L beginning January 1, 2006. JCP&L is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay,2005, which would require prospective application for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. JCP&L continues to evaluateis currently evaluating this FSP and any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



128140



METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
                  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
                  
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In thousands)
  
(In thousands)
 
                  
OPERATING REVENUES
 $263,136 $242,044 $558,917 $502,942  $333,180 $285,419 $892,097 $788,361 
                       
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                       
Purchased power  131,670  131,266  281,763  274,722   186,148 146,938 467,911 421,660 
Other operating costs  52,648  47,021  111,118  80,069   81,774 50,141 192,892 130,210 
Provision for depreciation  11,377  9,824  22,898  19,722   9,323 10,648 32,221 30,370 
Amortization of regulatory assets  25,286  22,949  53,907  48,446   32,853 30,291 86,760 78,737 
General taxes  17,023  16,687  36,295  34,423   19,906 18,680 56,201 53,103 
Income taxes  5,133  751  11,865  8,731   (2,111) 8,448  9,754  17,179 
Total operating expenses and taxes   243,137  228,498  517,846  466,113   327,893  265,146  845,739  731,259 
                       
OPERATING INCOME
  19,999  13,546  41,071  36,829   5,287  20,273  46,358  57,102 
                       
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  6,989  6,116  13,438  11,642   6,459  6,888  19,897  18,530 
                       
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                       
Interest on long-term debt  9,385  12,238  18,945  22,385   8,941 8,823 27,886 31,208 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (73) (72) (251) (143)  (150) (65) (401) (208)
Other interest expense  2,013  831  3,676  1,520   1,950  1,326  5,626  2,846 
Net interest charges   11,325  12,997  22,370  23,762   10,741  10,084  33,111  33,846 
                       
NET INCOME
  15,663  6,665  32,139  24,709   1,005 17,077 33,144 41,786 
                       
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                       
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative hedges  84  (6) 168  (3,266)  84 84 252 (3,182)
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  -  (75) -  (53)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  67  -  67  (53)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   84  (81) 168  (3,319)  151 84 319 (3,235)
Income tax (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  35  (37) 70  (28)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  62  (1,314) 132  (1,342)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   49  (44) 98  (3,291)  89  1,398  187  (1,893)
                       
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $15,712 $6,621 $32,237 $21,418  $1,094 $18,475 $33,331 $39,893 
                       
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of these statements.The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of these statements.  
          
 
 
129


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
      
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $1,814,049 $1,800,569 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  704,247  709,895 
   1,109,802  1,090,674 
Construction work in progress  15,716  21,735 
   1,125,518  1,112,409 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  221,600  216,951 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  11,053  10,453 
Other  29,079  34,767 
   261,732  262,171 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  120  120 
Notes receivable from associated companies  14,830  18,769 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,109,000 and $4,578,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   125,135  119,858 
Associated companies  10,362  118,245 
Other  7,889  15,493 
Prepayments and other  32,262  11,057 
   190,598  283,542 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  867,649  869,585 
Regulatory assets  673,366  693,133 
Other  24,015  24,438 
   1,565,030  1,587,156 
  $3,142,878 $3,245,278 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 900,000 shares -       
859,500 shares outstanding  $1,290,287 $1,289,943 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (43,392) (43,490)
Retained earnings  37,106  38,966 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,284,001  1,285,419 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  694,122  701,736 
   1,978,123  1,987,155 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  -  30,435 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  34,021  80,090 
Other  67,000  - 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  32,941  88,879 
Other  31,442  26,097 
Accrued taxes  6,773  11,957 
Accrued interest  10,731  11,618 
Other  18,106  23,076 
   201,014  272,152 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  316,005  305,389 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  10,456  10,868 
Power purchase contract loss liability  317,602  349,980 
Nuclear fuel disposal costs  38,900  38,408 
Asset retirement obligation  137,074  132,887 
Retirement benefits  79,014  82,218 
Other  64,690  66,221 
   963,741  985,971 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $3,142,878 $3,245,278 
        
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral 
part of these balance sheets.       
        
130141

 

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $15,663 $6,665 $32,139 $24,709 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   11,377  9,824  22,898  19,722 
Amortization of regulatory assets   25,286  22,949  53,907  48,446 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets   (13,571) (13,195) (30,012) (29,987)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (1,887) (7,952) (1,898) (5,519)
Accrued retirement benefit obligation   (1,556) (309) (3,203) 765 
Accrued compensation, net   407  186  (1,316) (448)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
 Receivables  40,498  26,775  110,210  32,542 
 Materials and supplies  -  18  (18) 36 
 Prepayments and other current assets  12,930  7,293  (21,187) (29,325)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
 Accounts payable  (1,002) (12,169) (50,593) (5,321)
 Accrued taxes  4,487  (4,564) (5,184) (6,110)
 Accrued interest  286  7,344  (887) 2,879 
Other   (7,228) 6,040  (16,362) (2,225)
 Net cash provided from operating activities  85,690  48,905  88,494  50,164 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing-             
Long-term debt   -  -  -  247,607 
Short-term borrowings, net   (7,656) -  20,931  - 
Redemptions and Repayments-             
Long-term debt   (37,395) (100,000) (37,830) (150,435)
Short-term borrowings, net   -  -  -  (65,335)
Dividend Payments-             
Common stock   (25,000) (20,000) (34,000) (25,000)
 Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities  (70,051) (120,000) (50,899) 6,837 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (18,196) (12,381) (34,395) (21,343)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (2,371) (2,371) (4,742) (4,742)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  6,489  85,767  3,339  (31,035)
Other  (1,561) 80  (1,797) 118 
 Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities  (15,639) 71,095  (37,595) (57,002)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  -  (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  120  120  120  121 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $120 $120 $120 $120 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
              
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
      
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands) 
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $1,841,450 $1,800,569 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  712,549  709,895 
   1,128,901  1,090,674 
Construction work in progress  7,458  21,735 
   1,136,359  1,112,409 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  229,437  216,951 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  11,162  10,453 
Other  29,355  34,767 
   269,954  262,171 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  120  120 
Notes receivable from associated companies  15,793  18,769 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,320,000 and $4,578,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   131,213  119,858 
Associated companies  1,401  118,245 
Other  7,684  15,493 
Prepayments and other  13,285  11,057 
   169,496  283,542 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  867,649  869,585 
Regulatory assets  571,745  693,133 
Other  24,055  24,438 
   1,463,449  1,587,156 
  $3,039,258 $3,245,278 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity -       
Common stock, without par value, authorized 900,000 shares -       
859,500 shares outstanding  $1,290,296 $1,289,943 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (43,303) (43,490)
Retained earnings  28,110  38,966 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,275,103  1,285,419 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  594,116  701,736 
   1,869,219  1,987,155 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  100,000  30,435 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  76,755  80,090 
Other  -  - 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  39,505  88,879 
Other  30,966  26,097 
Accrued taxes  2,247  11,957 
Accrued interest  9,462  11,618 
Other  20,008  23,076 
   278,943  272,152 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Accumulated deferred income taxes  309,979  305,389 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits  10,250  10,868 
Power purchase contract loss liability  250,024  349,980 
Asset retirement obligation  139,216  132,887 
Retirement benefits  77,501  82,218 
Nuclear fuel disposal costs  39,213  38,408 
Other  64,913  66,221 
   891,096  985,971 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $3,039,258 $3,245,278 
        
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of these balance sheets.   
        
        
 
 
131142


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $1,005 $17,077 $33,144 $41,786 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   9,323  10,648  32,221  30,370 
Amortization of regulatory assets   32,853  30,291  86,760  78,737 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets   8,521  (15,629) (21,491) (45,616)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (8,438) 666  (10,336) (4,853)
Accrued retirement benefit obligation   (1,514) (273) (4,717) 492 
Accrued compensation, net   1,527  649  211  201 
Pension trust contribution   -  (38,823) -  (38,823)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -             
    Receivables  3,088  (2,599) 113,298  29,943 
    Materials and supplies  (1) 5  (19) 41 
    Prepayments and other current assets  18,978  14,298  (2,209) (15,027)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -             
    Accounts payable  6,088  (12,536) (44,505) (17,857)
    Accrued taxes  (4,526) (145) (9,710) (6,255)
    Accrued interest  (1,269) (3,006) (2,156) (127)
Other   (7,701) (7,356) (24,063) (9,581)
    Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities  57,934  (6,733) 146,428  43,431 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing-             
Long-term debt   -  -  -  247,607 
Short-term borrowings, net   -  70,000  -  4,665 
Redemptions and Repayments-             
Long-term debt   -  (45,936) (37,830) (196,371)
Short-term borrowings, net   (24,266) -  (3,335) - 
Dividend Payments-            
Common stock   (10,000) (10,000) (44,000) (35,000)
  Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities  (34,266) 14,064  (85,165) 20,901 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (21,680) (12,390) (56,075) (33,733)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts  (2,370) (2,371) (7,112) (7,113)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  (1,072) 17,989  2,267  (13,046)
Other  1,454  (10,559) (343) (10,441)
 Net cash provided used for investing activities  (23,668) (7,331) (61,263) (64,333)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  -  (1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  120  120  120  121 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $120 $120 $120 $120 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Metropolitan Edison Company are an integral part of these statements. 
143


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Metropolitan Edison Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Metropolitan Edison Company and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 6 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005




132144


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


Met-Ed is a wholly owned, electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Met-Ed conducts business in eastern Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric transmission and distribution services. Met-Ed also provides generation service to those customers electing to retain Met-Ed as their power supplier. Met-Ed has unbundled the price for electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges. Met-Ed continues to deliver power to homes and businesses through its existing distribution system.

Results of Operations

Net income increaseddecreased to $16$1 million for the secondthird quarter of 2005 from $7$17 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The decrease in net income primarily resulted from higher purchased power costs, transmission expenses, and amortization of regulatory assets, partially offset by higher operating revenues and lower depreciation and income taxes. For the first sixnine months of 2005, net income increaseddecreased to $32$33 million from $25$42 million in the same period of 2004. The increasedecrease in net income for both periods reflectsprimarily resulted from higher purchased power costs, transmission expenses, and amortization of regulatory assets, partially offset by higher operating revenues and other income and lower interest charges. Partially offsetting these items for both periods were increased operating expenses andincome taxes as discussed below.

Operating revenues increased by $21$48 million, or 8.7%16.7%, in the secondthird quarter of 2005 and by $56$104 million, or 11.1%13.2%, in the first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the same periods of 2004. Increases in both periods were due, in part, to higher retail generation electric revenues from all customer sectors ($917 million for the third quarter and $24$41 million for the first six months)nine months of 2005). The increaseincreases in retail generation KWH sales infor both periods of 2005 arewere mainly attributable to warmer weather and lowerreduced customer shopping --- primarily in the industrial sector. Shopping by industrial customersIndustrial customer shopping decreased by 10.8%4.9% and 14.3%11.2% percentage points in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, respectively. While the higher generation sales in the secondthird quarter of 2005 were offset by slightly lower composite unit prices, overall higher composite unit prices induring the six-monthnine-month period furtheralso contributed to the increase in generation revenues.

Revenues from distribution throughput increased by $4$13 million in the secondthird quarter and by $10$23 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the respective prior year periods. Both increasessame periods of 2004. Increases in both periods of 2005 were primarily due to higher KWH deliveries and slightly higher unit prices. Also contributing to the higher operating revenues was an increase inIncreased transmission revenues of $6$17 million in the secondthird quarter and $16$32 million in the first sixnine months of 2005. This increase was2005 also contributed to higher operating revenues. These increases were due to a change in the power supply agreement with FES in the second quarter of 2004. ThatThis change also resulted in higher transmission expenses as discussed further below. OperatingIn the first nine months of 2005, operating revenues also included a $4 million payment received in the first six months of 2005 under a contract provision associated with the prior sale of TMI Unit 1. Under the contract, additional payments are received if subsequent energy prices rise above specific levels and are credited to Met-Ed’s customers, resulting in no net impact to current earnings.

Changes in kilowatt-hourKWH sales by customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004 are summarized in the following table:

 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Retail Electric Generation:          
Residential  5.1% 3.4%  15.5% 7.6%
Commercial  5.6% 6.3%  10.1% 7.6%
Industrial  13.0% 21.8%  9.1% 17.0%
Total Retail Electric Generation Sales
  
7.4
%
 
8.8
%
  11.9
%
 9.9
%
          
Distribution Deliveries:          
Residential  5.0% 3.4%  15.5% 7.5%
Commercial  4.2% 4.8%  10.0% 6.7%
Industrial  (1.2)% 1.3%  3.2% 1.9%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
2.7
%
 
3.2
%
  10.0
%
 5.6
%
              


133145

 

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $15$63 million in the secondthird quarter and by $52$114 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods of 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category:

  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
 
  
(In millions)
 
Increase (Decrease)
       
Purchased power costs $39 $46 
Other operating costs  32  62 
Provision for depreciation  (1) 2 
Amortization of regulatory assets  3  8 
General taxes  1  3 
Income taxes  (11) (7
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $63 $114 
        

  
Three
 
Six
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Increases
 
Months
 
Months
 
  
(In millions)
 
Purchased power costs $- $7 
Other operating costs  6  31 
Provision for depreciation  2  3 
Amortization of regulatory assets  2  6 
General taxes  1  2 
Income taxes  4  3 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $15 $52 
        

Purchased power costs increased in both second quarter and first six months of 2005 as a result of higher two-party power purchases ($27by $39 million in the secondthird quarter and $45$46 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods of 2004. The increases in both periods were primarily due to increased third party power purchases ($47 million in the third quarter and $92 million in the first nine months of 2005) and NUG contract purchases ($621 million in the secondthird quarter and $8$29 million in the first sixnine months of 2005), partially offset by a reduction inreduced purchased power from FES ($3330 million in the secondthird quarter and $46$77 million in the first sixnine months of 2005). The net increase in KWH purchasesThese changes, for both periods, was requiredwere due to increased KWH purchased to meet higherincreased retail generation demand.sales requirements offset by slightly lower unit costs.

Other operating costs increased by $32 million in the secondthird quarter and by $62 million in first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods of 2004. The increases in both periods were primarily due tocaused by higher PJM congestion charges and transmission expenses. The transmission expense increase for both periods resulted fromexpenses as a result of the change in the power supply agreement with FES as discussed above.

Depreciation expense increased inIn the second quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, depreciation expense increased due to an increase inadditions to the asset base. Depreciation expense also increased for the first six months due tobase and higher estimated costs to decommission the Saxton nuclear plant.plant as compared to the same period of 2004. For both periods of 2005, regulatory asset amortization reflected increases associated with the level of CTC revenue recovery, partially offset by lower amortization related to above market NUG costs as compared to the prior year periods.

General taxes increased $2 million in the first six months of 2005both periods primarily as thea result of higher gross receipt taxes.taxes associated with the increase in KWH sales. Income taxes decreased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 due to lower taxable income.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Met-Ed’s cash requirements infor the remainder of 2005, and thereafter, for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities are expected to be met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.operations.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004, Met-Ed had $120,000 ofMet-Ed’s cash and cash equivalents.equivalents of $120,000 remained unchanged from December 31, 2004.
146


Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash provided from (used for) operating activities induring the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, andcompared with the corresponding periods of 2004 were as follows:

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (*)
 $36 $19 $73 $58 
Working capital and other  50  30  16  (8
Total cash flows form operating activities $86 $49 $89 $50 
              
(*) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
             
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Cash earnings (1)
 $43 $27 $116 $85 
Pension trust contribution (2)
  -  (23) -  (23)
Working capital and other  15  (11 30  (19
Total cash flows from operating activities $58 $(7$146 $43 
              
(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
             
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $16 million of income tax benefits.
       
 
Cash earnings, (inas disclosed in the table above) isabove, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Met-Ed believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $1 $17 $33 $42 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  9  11  32  30 
Amortization of regulatory assets  33  30  87  79 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets  8  (16 (22) (46
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (8) (16) (10) (21
Other non-cash charges  -  1  (4) 1 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $43 $27 $116 $85 
              
 
134

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $16 $7 $32 $25 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  11  10  23  20 
Amortization of regulatory assets  25  23  54  48 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets  (14 (13 (30 (30
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (2 (8 (2 (5
Other non-cash charges  -  -  (4 - 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $36 $19 $73 $58 
              

The $17$16 million and $15$31 million increases in cash earnings for the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, respectively, are described above under "Results“Results of Operations"Operations”. Net cash from operating activities increased in the third quarter and the first nine months due to the absence of a $23 million after-tax voluntary pension contribution made in the third quarter of 2004. The $20$26 million increasechange in working capital in the secondthird quarter of 2005 primarily resulted from changes of $14$6 million in accounts receivable, $11$19 million in accounts payable and $9$5 million in accrued taxes, partiallyprepayments, offset by a change of $7$4 million in accrued interest.taxes. The $24$49 million increasechange in working capital for the first sixnine months of 2005 primarily resulted from net changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable from associated companies of $78$52 million and $13 million in accounts receivable,prepayments, partially offset by changes of $45$11 million in accounts payablecustomer deposits, $3 million in accrued taxes and $4$2 million in accrued interest.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

For the secondthird quarter of 2005, net cash used for financing activities was $70$34 million compared to $120$14 million of cash provided from financing activities in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The $50$48 million decrease resulted primarily from a $70 million reduction in new debt financing compared to the third quarter of 2004 offset in part by a $22 million reduction in debt redemptions -- $37 million in the second quarter of 2005 compared to $100 million in the second quarter of 2004 - partially offset by an $8 million increase in repayments on short-term borrowings and a $5 million increase in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy.redemptions. For the first sixnine months of 2005, net cash used for financing activities was $51$85 million compared to $7$21 million of net cash provided from financing activities in the same period of 2004. The $58$106 million change reflected a $252 million reduction in the six month period reflected new financings of $21debt financing and a $9 million (net short-term borrowings)increase in the first six months of 2005common stock dividends to FirstEnergy, partially offset by a $155 million decrease in debt redemptions compared to $247 million (long-term debt) in the same period of 2004. This change was partially offset by $38 million of debt redemptions in the first six months of 2005 compared to $216 million of debt redemptions in the first six months of 2004. In addition, common stock dividends to FirstEnergy increased by $9 million in the first six months of 2005.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Met-Ed had approximately $15$16 million of cash and temporary investments (including short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $101$77 million of short-term borrowings outstanding. Met-Ed has authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to $250 million (including the utility money pool). Under the terms of Met-Ed’s senior note indenture, no more first mortgage bonds can be issued as long as the senior bonds are outstanding. Met-Ed had no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.
147


Met-Ed Funding LLC (Met-Ed Funding), a wholly owned subsidiary of Met-Ed, is a limited liability company whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from Met-Ed. Met-Ed Funding can borrow up to $80 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, Met-Ed Funding would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to Met-Ed. As of June 30, 2005, the facility was drawn for $67 million. On July 15, 2005, the facility was renewed until June 29, 2006. As of September 30, 2005, the facility was undrawn. The annual facility fee is 0.25% on the entire finance limit.

Met-Ed has the ability to borrow from its regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money poolpools and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and itsthe respective regulated subsidiaries, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of such athe loan, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.50%.

On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing andor the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. Met-Ed’s borrowing limit under the facility is $250 million.

Met-Ed’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and that of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook from S&P and Fitch on all securities is stable. Moody’s outlook on all securities is positive.
135

On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy Corp. and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and as the nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s rating outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in itstheir outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile stemming from the application of free cash flow.flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s noted that a ratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On May 1,October 3, 2005, Met-Ed redeemed allS&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of its outstanding sharesthe EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of 6.00% Series Pollution Control Revenue Bonds at par, plus accrued interesta good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to the date of redemption.consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

In the secondthird quarter of 2005, net cash used for investing activities totaled $16$24 million, compared to $71$7 million of net cash provided from investing activities in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The change in the secondthird quarter of 2005 primarily resulted from an $79a $19 million decreaseincrease in loan repayments fromto associated companies and a $6$9 million increase in property additions.additions, partially offset by a $9 million capital transfer from FESC in the third quarter of 2004. In the first sixnine months of 2005, net cash used for investing activities totaled $38$61 million compared to $57$64 million in the first six monthssame period of 2004. The decrease in the first six months of 2005change resulted from a $34$15 million increase in loan repayments from associated companies and the previously mentioned capital transfer, partially offset by a $13$22 million increase in property additions. Expenditures for property additions primarily support Met-Ed’s energy delivery operations.

Met-Ed's capital spending for the period 2005 through 2007 is expected to be about $205 million, for property additions, of which approximately $66$68 million applies to 2005. DuringIn the remaining two quarterslast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions are expected to be about $32$14 million. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements. Met-Ed has no additional requirements for maturing long-term debt during the remainder of 2005.

Market Risk Information

Met-Ed uses various market-risk-sensitivemarket risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the Company.activities.

148


Commodity Price Risk

Met-Ed is exposed to marketprice risk primarily resulting from fluctuating electricity and natural gas prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, it uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including options and futures contracts. The derivatives are used for hedging purposes. Most of Met-Ed's non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Met-Ed’s commodity derivative contract was an embedded option with a fair value of $27$28 million. A $4 million net decrease of $5 million in the value of this asset was recorded as a decrease in regulatory liabilities, and therefore, had no impact on net income.




136

The valuation of derivative commodity contracts is based on observable market information to the extent that such information is available. In cases where such information is not available, Met-Ed relies on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. Met-Ed uses these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of derivative contracts as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 are summarized by year in the following table:

Sources of Information -
                 
Fair Value by Contract Year
   
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
                  
                  
Prices based on external sources(2)
    $5 $5 $5 $- $- $- $15 
Prices based on models     -  -  -  5  4  4  13 
Total    $5 $5 $5 $5 $4 $4 $28 
                          
(1) For the last quarter of 2005.
(2) Broker quote sheets.
                         

Sources of Information -
                 
Fair Value by Contract Year
   
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
                  
                  
Prices based on external sources(2)
    $5 $6 $6 $- $- $- $17 
Prices based on models     -  -  -  4  3  3  10 
Total    $5 $6 $6 $4 $3 $3 $27 
                          
(1) For the last two quarters of 2005.
(2) Broker quote sheets.
                         

Met-Ed performs sensitivity analyses to estimate its exposure to the market risk of its commodity positions. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift (an increase or decrease depending on the derivative position) in quoted market prices in the near term on derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on its consolidated financial position or cash flows as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Equity Price Risk

Included in Met-Ed's nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $138 million as of September 30, 2005 and $134 million as of June 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $13$14 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Regulatory Matters
 
Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PPUC and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, would have been charged to income when incurred. Met-Ed's regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $673$572 million and $693 million, respectively.

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. On April 13, 2005, the Commonwealth Court issued an interim order in the remand proceeding that the parties should report the status of the negotiations to the PPUC with a copy to the ALJ. The parties exchanged settlement proposals in May and June 2005 and continue to have settlement discussions.

In an October 16, 2003 order, the PPUC approved September 30, 2004 as the date for Met-Ed's and Penelec's NUG trust fund refunds. The PPUC order also denied their accounting treatment request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring Met-Ed and Penelec to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. On October 22, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Objection with the Commonwealth Court asking that the Court reverse this PPUC finding; a Commonwealth Court judge subsequently denied their Objection on October 27, 2003 without explanation. On October 31, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Application for Clarification of the Court order with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16, 2003 Orders, and an application for reargument, if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that Met-Ed's and Penelec's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed on January 28, 2005.
149


Met-Ed purchases a portion of its PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sales agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless eitherany party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed under its NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for itstheir uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed is authorized to defer differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.On November 1, 2005, FES and the other parties to the wholesale power agreement amended the agreement to provide FES the right over the next year to terminate the agreement at any time upon 60 days notice. If the wholesale power agreement were terminated, Met-Ed and Penelec would need to satisfy the applicable portion of their PLR obligations from other sources at prevailing prices, which are likely to be higher than the current price charged by FES under the agreement and, as a result, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s purchased power costs could materially increase.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed filed a request with the PPUC for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. The OCA, OSBA, OTS, MEIUG, PICA, Allegheny Electric Cooperative and Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association have all intervened in the case. To date no hearing schedule has been established, and Met-Ed has not yet implemented deferral accounting for these costs.

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made three filings pursuant to a settlement agreement previously approved by the FERC. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec were parties to that proceeding and joined in two of the filings. In the first filing, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing rate design within the PJM RTO. In the second filing, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Interventions and protests were filed on February 22, 2005. In the third filing, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Pepco Holdings, Inc. requested a formula rate for transmission service provided within their respective zones. On May 31, 2005, the FERC issued an order on these cases. First, it set for hearing the existing rate design and indicated that it will issue a final order within six months. Second, the FERC approved the proposed Schedule 12 rate harmonization. Third, the FERC accepted the proposed formula rate, subject to referral and hearing procedures. On June 30, 2005, the PJM transmission owners filed a request for rehearing of the May 31, 2005 order. The rate design and formula rate filings continue to be litigated before the FERC. The outcome of these two cases cannot be predicted.
137


See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania including a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC, that impact Met-Ed.

Environmental Matters

Met-Ed accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in Met-Ed'sMet-Ed’s determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Met-Ed has been named as a PRP at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, Met-Ed'sMet-Ed’s proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $47,000 as of June 30, 2005.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 20052005.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to Met-Ed's normal business operations pending against Met-Ed. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.


150


On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new or material upgrades to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, thatThe FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
138


One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, Met-Ed will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

151


EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with Met-Ed's current accounting.

FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for Met-Ed in the fourth quarter of 2005. Met-Ed is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Met-Ed will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannot be reasonably estimated,measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that fact anddo not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the reasons why must be disclosed.future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for Met-Ed. This InterpretationFSP is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, Met-Ed will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. Met-Ed is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willnot expected to have a material impact on itsMet-Ed's financial statements.

EITF IssueSFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 03-1,43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by Met-Ed beginning January 1, 2006. Met-Ed is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

152


FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Met-Ed is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, Met-Ed continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



139153



PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $262,097 $242,202 $556,026 $498,647 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Purchased power  139,292  139,452  289,549  295,828 
Other operating costs  62,794  45,980  116,607  85,888 
Provision for depreciation  12,479  11,510  24,985  22,948 
Amortization of regulatory assets  13,118  13,720  26,303  27,371 
General taxes  16,134  16,920  34,340  33,882 
Income taxes  2,300  1,744  18,092  4,307 
Total operating expenses and taxes   246,117  229,326  509,876  470,224 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  15,980  12,876  46,150  28,423 
              
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (net of income taxes)
  (316) 447  420  363 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  7,423  7,568  14,882  15,015 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (264) (62) (389) (132)
Deferred interest  -  -  -  190 
Other interest expense  2,668  2,768  4,856  5,005 
Net interest charges   9,827  10,274  19,349  20,078 
              
NET INCOME
  5,837  3,049  27,221  8,708 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative hedges  16  (635) 32  (635)
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities  (18) (18) (21) (10)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   (2) (653) 11  (645)
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive income  6  5  -  2 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   4  (648) 11  (643)
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 $5,841 $2,401 $27,232 $8,065 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part of 
these statements.             
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
OPERATING REVENUES
 $290,451 $254,339 $846,477 $752,986 
              
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
             
Purchased power  178,090  137,146  467,639  432,974 
Other operating costs  66,417  37,100  183,024  122,988 
Provision for depreciation  12,736  12,281  37,721  35,229 
Amortization of regulatory assets  12,627  11,759  38,930  39,130 
General taxes  17,552  16,913  51,892  50,795 
Income taxes  (3,101) 11,693  14,991  16,000 
Total operating expenses and taxes   284,321  226,892  794,197  697,116 
              
OPERATING INCOME
  6,130  27,447  52,280  55,870 
              
OTHER INCOME (net of income taxes)
  1,057  1,300  1,477  1,663 
              
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
             
Interest on long-term debt  7,305  7,513  22,187  22,528 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction  (285) (60) (674) (192)
Deferred interest  -  -  -  190 
Other interest expense  2,536  3,058  7,392  8,063 
Net interest charges   9,556  10,511  28,905  30,589 
              
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  (2,369) 18,236  24,852  26,944 
              
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
             
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative hedges  17  17  49  (618)
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities  18  7  (3) (3)
Other comprehensive income (loss)   35  24  46  (621)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income  20  (256) 20  (258)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   15  280  26  (363)
              
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 $(2,354)$18,516 $24,878 $26,581 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part of these statements.  
              
 
 
140154

 

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $1,979,489 $1,981,846 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  763,857  776,904 
   1,215,632  1,204,942 
Construction work in progress  23,471  22,816 
   1,239,103  1,227,758 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  109,484  109,620 
Non-utility generation trusts  96,968  95,991 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  14,342  14,001 
Other  14,719  18,746 
   235,513  238,358 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  35  36 
Notes receivable from associated companies  -  7,352 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,102,000 and $4,712,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   119,927  121,112 
Associated companies  23,671  97,528 
Other  8,218  12,778 
Prepayments and other  29,305  7,198 
   181,156  246,004 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  886,559  888,011 
Regulatory assets  183,075  200,173 
Other  12,486  13,448 
   1,082,120  1,101,632 
  $2,737,892 $2,813,752 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity-       
Common stock, $20 par value, authorized 5,400,000 shares -       
5,290,596 shares outstanding  $105,812 $105,812 
Other paid-in capital  1,206,351  1,205,948 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (52,802) (52,813)
Retained earnings  43,289  46,068 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,302,650  1,305,015 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  478,807  481,871 
   1,781,457  1,786,886 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  8,017  8,248 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  65,888  241,496 
Other  139,000  - 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  29,825  56,154 
Other  31,956  25,960 
Accrued taxes  18,727  7,999 
Accrued interest  9,661  9,695 
Other  18,384  23,750 
   321,458  373,302 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Power purchase contract loss liability  336,696  382,548 
Asset retirement obligation  68,537  66,443 
Accumulated deferred income taxes  58,327  37,318 
Retirement benefits  120,151  118,247 
Other  51,266  49,008 
   634,977  653,564 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $2,737,892 $2,813,752 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part       
of these balance sheets.       
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
      
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Unaudited)
 
  
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
     
UTILITY PLANT:
     
In service $2,004,891 $1,981,846 
Less - Accumulated provision for depreciation  772,818  776,904 
   1,232,073  1,204,942 
Construction work in progress  23,622  22,816 
   1,255,695  1,227,758 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts  111,826  109,620 
Non-utility generation trusts  97,473  95,991 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies  15,629  14,001 
Other  14,855  18,746 
   239,783  238,358 
CURRENT ASSETS:
       
Cash and cash equivalents  35  36 
Notes receivable from associated companies  -  7,352 
Receivables -       
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,095,000 and $4,712,000,       
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)   120,580  121,112 
Associated companies  6,339  97,528 
Other  7,369  12,778 
Prepayments and other  15,818  7,198 
   150,141  246,004 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
       
Goodwill  886,559  888,011 
Regulatory assets  99,491  200,173 
Other  13,234  13,448 
   999,284  1,101,632 
  $2,644,903 $2,813,752 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
       
CAPITALIZATION:
       
Common stockholder's equity-       
Common stock, $20 par value, authorized 5,400,000 shares -       
5,290,596 shares outstanding  $105,812 $105,812 
Other paid-in capital  1,206,358  1,205,948 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (52,787) (52,813)
Retained earnings  38,920  46,068 
Total common stockholder's equity   1,298,303  1,305,015 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations  478,954  481,871 
   1,777,257  1,786,886 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Currently payable long-term debt  4  8,248 
Short-term borrowings -       
Associated companies  114,749  241,496 
Other  75,000  - 
Accounts payable -       
Associated companies  30,456  56,154 
Other  35,987  25,960 
Accrued taxes  19,234  7,999 
Accrued interest  15,289  9,695 
Other  19,264  23,750 
   309,983  373,302 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
       
Power purchase contract loss liability  259,675  382,548 
Retirement benefits  121,251  118,247 
Asset retirement obligation  69,608  66,443 
Accumulated deferred income taxes  56,029  37,318 
Other  51,100  49,008 
   557,663  653,564 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
       
  $2,644,903 $2,813,752 
        
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part of these balance sheets.     
        
 
 
141155


PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income (loss) $(2,369)$18,236 $24,852 $26,944 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   12,736  12,281  37,721  35,229 
Amortization of regulatory assets   12,627  11,759  38,930  39,130 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets   (5,355) (25,618) (41,301) (62,122)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   (5,412) 28,574  (2,765) 30,308 
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   1,100  1,164  3,005  4,805 
Accrued compensation, net   691  894  (1,695) 2,271 
Pension trust contribution   -  (50,281) -  (50,281)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
    Receivables  17,528  (17,689) 97,130  35,806 
    Prepayments and other current assets  13,487  9,703  (8,620) (25,247)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
    Accounts payable  4,662  (23,255) (15,671) (38,015)
    Accrued taxes  507  2  11,235  (7,572)
    Accrued interest  5,628  5,605  5,594  2,856 
Other   (1,460) 562  2,905  24,851 
    Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities  54,370  (28,063) 151,320  18,963 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt   -  -  -  150,000 
Short-term borrowings, net   -  158,282  -  165,918 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Long-term debt   (8,013) (103,241) (11,534) (228,453)
Short-term borrowings, net   (15,139) -  (51,747) - 
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   (2,000) (3,000) (32,000) (8,000)
  Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities  (25,152) 52,041  (95,281) 79,465 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (27,997) (10,192) (61,680) (33,428)
Non-utility generation trust contribution  -  -  -  (50,614)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  (1,287) (3,124) 5,724  (3,144)
Other, net  66  (10,662) (84) (11,242)
 Net cash used for investing activities  (29,218) (23,978) (56,040) (98,428)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  (1) - 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  35  36  36  36 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $35 $36 $35 $36 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part of these statements.  
              


156

 

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 
          
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(Unaudited)
 
          
  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In thousands)
 
          
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income $5,837 $3,049 $27,221 $8,708 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from             
operating activities -             
Provision for depreciation   12,479  11,510  24,985  22,948 
Amortization of regulatory assets   13,118  13,720  26,303  27,371 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets   (16,513) (18,511) (35,946) (36,504)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net   201  (23,508) 2,647  1,734 
Accrued retirement benefit obligations   1,037  839  1,905  3,641 
Accrued compensation, net   244  (878) (2,386) 1,377 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets -              
 Receivables  40,457  65,624  79,602  53,495 
 Prepayments and other current assets  13,012  12,104  (22,107) (34,950)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities -              
 Accounts payable  3,901  (4,022) (20,333) (14,760)
 Accrued taxes  523  (1,091) 10,728  (7,574)
 Accrued interest  (5,615) (5,385) (34) (2,749)
Other   4,582  20,635  4,365  24,289 
 Net cash provided from operating activities  73,263  74,086  96,950  47,026 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
New Financing -             
Long-term debt   -  -  -  150,000 
Short-term borrowings, net   -  68,962  -  7,636 
Redemptions and Repayments -             
Long-term debt   (3,508) (125,108) (3,521) (125,212)
Short-term borrowings, net   (34,805) -  (36,608) - 
Dividend Payments -             
Common stock   (25,000) (5,000) (30,000) (5,000)
 Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities  (63,313) (61,146) (70,129) 27,424 
              
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Property additions  (18,290) (12,042) (33,683) (23,236)
Non-utility generation trust contribution  -  -  -  (50,614)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net  10,093  51  7,011  (20)
Other, net  (1,753) (949) (150) (580)
 Net cash used for investing activities  (9,950) (12,940) (26,822) (74,450)
              
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  -  -  (1) - 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  35  36  36  36 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $35 $36 $35 $36 
              
The preceding Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as they relate to Pennsylvania Electric Company are an integral part of  
these statements.             
              
142


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm









To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Pennsylvania Electric Company:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Pennsylvania Electric Company and its subsidiaries as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and 2004. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004; and in our report (which contained references to the Company’s change in its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003 as discussed in Note 2(G) to those consolidated financial statements and the Company’s change in its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003 as discussed in Note 6 to those consolidated financial statements) dated March 7, 2005, we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
July 29,November 1, 2005



143157


PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


Penelec is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Penelec conducts business in northern, western and south central Pennsylvania, providing regulated transmission and distribution services. Penelec also provides generation services to those customers electing to retain Penelec as their power supplier. Penelec has unbundled the price for electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and transition charges.

Results of Operations

NetPenelec recognized a net loss of $2 million in the third quarter of 2005, compared to $18 million in net income in the second quarter of 2005 increased to $6 million, compared to $3 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increase resulted from higher operating revenues that were partially offset by higher operating costs - primarily transmission expenses. During the first sixnine months of 2005, net income increaseddecreased to $27$25 million compared to $9$27 million in the first sixnine months of 2004. The increasedecrease in both periods resulted from higher operating revenuespurchased power and lower purchased powerother operating costs, partially offset by higher operating costsrevenues and lower income taxes.

Operating revenues increased by $20$36 million in the secondthird quarter and $93 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the second quartersame periods of 2004, primarily2004. Increases in both periods were due to higher transmissionretail generation revenues in all sectors ($14 million for the quarter and $23 million for the first nine months). The increases in retail generation KWH sales in both periods of 2005 were mainly due to the warmer weather in 2005 compared to 2004. While the higher generation sales in the third quarter were offset by slightly lower composite unit prices, overall higher composite unit prices - especially in the industrial sector - for the nine-month period further contributed to the increase in generation revenues. Transmission

Distribution revenues increased $20by $4 million as a resultin the third quarter and by $6 million in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004. Increases in both periods were due to higher KWH deliveries partially offset by lower unit prices. Also contributing to higher operating revenues was an increase in transmission revenues of $18 million in the third quarter and $61 million in the first nine months of 2005. These increases were due to a change in the power supply agreement with FES in the second quarter of 2004. TheThis change also resulted in higher transmission expenses as discussed further below.

Operating revenues increased by $57 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to the first six months of 2004, primarily due to higher transmission, retail generation and distribution revenues. Transmission revenues increased $43 million as a result of the power supply agreement change with FES.

Total retail sales increased $11 million due to higher retail generation revenues of $9 million and distribution revenues of $2 million, respectively. Retail generation revenues increased, principally from increased generation KWH sales to all customer sectors (residential - $2 million; industrial - $4 million and commercial - $3 million) reflecting increases in KWH sales of 1.9%, 3.7% and 2.7%, respectively, combined with higher unit costs. Industrial KWH sales increased despite a small increase in customer shopping. Sales by alternative suppliers as a percent of total industrial sales delivered in Penelec’s franchise area increased by 0.7%, while residential and commercial customer shopping remained constant in the first six months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004.

Distribution revenues increased by $2 million in the first six months of 2005 compared to the same period of 2004, primarily due to higher deliveries in all sectors. Residential and commercial revenues increased by $1 million each as a result of higher KWH deliveries, partially offset by lower composite unit prices.

Changes in kilowatt-hourKWH sales by customer class in the second quarterthree months and first sixnine months ofended September 30, 2005 compared tofrom the respectivecorresponding periods inof 2004 are summarized in the following table:


 
Three
 
Six
  
Three
 
Nine
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
Months
 
Months
  
Months
 
Months
 
Increase (Decrease)
          
Retail Electric Generation:    
Residential  8.8% 4.2%
Commercial  7.0% 4.3%
Industrial  17.0% 7.3%
Total Retail Electric Generation Sales
  
10.2
%
 
5.1
%
     
Distribution Deliveries:          
Residential  3.8% 1.9%  8.7% 4.1%
Commercial  (1.4)% 2.7%  6.6% 4.1%
Industrial  (8.2)% 3.7%  8.3% 5.2%
Total Distribution Deliveries
  
(2.5
)%
 
2.8
%
  
7.8
%
 
4.5
%
             



144158


Operating Expenses and Taxes
 
Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $17$57 million or 7.3% in the secondthird quarter and $40$97 million or 8.4% in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared with the same periods in 2004. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category:

  
Three
 
Nine
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
 
  
(In millions)
Increase (Decrease)
     
Purchased power costs $41 $35 
Other operating costs  29  60 
Provision for depreciation  -  2 
Amortization of regulatory assets  1  - 
General taxes  1  1 
Income taxes  (15) (1)
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $57 $97 
        

  
Three
 
Six
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
Months
 
Months
 
  
(In millions)
Increase (Decrease)
     
Purchased power costs $- $(6)
Other operating costs  17  31 
Provision for depreciation  1  2 
Amortization of regulatory assets  (1 (1
General taxes  (1) - 
Income taxes  1  14 
Net increase in operating expenses and taxes
 $17 $40 
        

Purchased power costs increased by $41 million or 29.9% in the third quarter and $35 million or 8.0% in the first nine months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004. The increase in the third quarter of 2005 is due to increased KWH purchased to meet increased retail generation sales requirements, and higher unit costs. Third-party power purchases and NUG costs increased $48 million and $20 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by reduced purchased power from FES of $27 million. The increase in the first nine months is due to increased KWH purchased to meet sales requirements partially offset by lower unit costs. Increases from third-party power purchases and NUG costs of $81 million and $21 million, respectively, in the first nine months of 2005, were partially offset by reduced purchased power from FES of $67 million.

Other operating costs increased by $17$29 million or 36.5% in the secondthird quarter and $31$60 million or 35.7% in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to same periods in 2004. The increases in both periods were primarily due to increased transmission expenses in 2005 as a result of the change in the power supply agreement with FES as discussedreferred to above. In addition, thereThe increased transmission expenses were higherpartially offset by reduced labor costs of $2 million and $4 million associated with a low-income customer programthat were charged to capital projects. Income taxes decreased in the secondthird quarter and the first six months of 2005 respectively. Purchased power costs decreased by $6 million in the first half of 2005due to lower pre-tax income compared to the first half of 2004 primarily due to lower unit costs, partially offset by increased KWH purchased to meet increased retail generation sales requirements. Income taxes increased due to higher operating income in the secondthird quarter and first six months of 2005 compared to the same periods of 2004.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Penelec’s cash requirements for the remainder of 2005 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities are expected to be met by a combination ofwith cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.operations.

Changes in Cash Position

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Penelec had $35,000 of cash and cash equivalents compared with $36,000 as of December 31, 2004. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net cash provided from (used for) operating activities in the secondthird quarter and first sixnine months of 2005, compared with the corresponding periods in 2004, are summarized as follows:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
June 30,
 
June 30,
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
  
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
(In millions)
  
(In millions)
 
                  
Cash earnings (*)
 $17 $(14$45 $29 
Cash earnings (1)
 $14 $27 $59 $56 
Pension trust contribution (2)
  -  (30) -  (30)
Working capital and other  56  88  52  18   40  (25 92  (7
Total cash flows from operating activities $73 $74 $97 $47  $54 $(28$151 $19 
                        
(*)(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).

(2) Pension trust contribution net of $20 million of income tax benefits.


145159



Cash earnings, (inas disclosed in the table above)above, are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. Penelec believes that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating its cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

  
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
  
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (loss) (GAAP) $(2$18 $25 $27 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  13  12  38  35 
Amortization of regulatory assets  12  12  39  39 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets  (5) (26 (41 (62)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  (6 9  (3 10 
Other non-cash items  2  2  1  7 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $14 $27 $59 $56 
              

  
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
  
June 30,
 
June 30,
 
 Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2005
 
2004
 
2005
 
2004
 
  
(In millions)
 
          
Net income (GAAP) $6 $3 $27 $9 
Non-cash charges (credits):             
Provision for depreciation  13  11  25  23 
Amortization of regulatory assets  13  14  26  27 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets  (16) (19 (36 (37)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net  -  (23 3  2 
Other non-cash items  1  -  -  5 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP) $17 $(14$45 $29 
              

Net cash from operating activities increased $82 million in the third quarter of 2005, compared with the third quarter of 2004, due to a $66 million increase from changes in working capital, an absence of a $30 million after-tax voluntary pension contribution made in the third quarter of 2004, and partially offset by a $13 million decrease in cash earnings as described above under “Results of Operations”. The increase in working capital primarily reflects net changes in accounts receivable and accounts payable to associated companies of $42 million and a $22 million increase in purchase power accounts payable.

Net cash provided from cash earningsoperating activities increased by $31 million in the second quarter and $16$132 million in the first sixnine months of 2005, compared towith the same periodsperiod of 2004. These increases2004, due to a $100 million increase from changes in working capital, an absence of the $30 million after-tax voluntary pension contribution, and a $3 million increase in cash earnings areas described above and under åResults“Results of OperationsæOperations”. The $32 million decreaseincrease in working capital primarily resulted from changes in receivables, and customer deposits, partially offset byreflects changes in accounts receivable to associated companies of $61 million, $30 million increase in purchase power and other accounts payable, and accrued taxes. Working capital increased by $34$19 million change in the first six months of 2005 principally due to changes in receivables, prepayments and accrued taxes, partially offset by changes accounts payable andin customer deposits.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
 
Net cash used for financing activities was $63$25 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to $61net cash provided from financing activities of $52 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The net change reflects a $20$1 million increasedecrease in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy and a $104$173 million increase in repayments of short-term borrowings, offset by a $122$95 million decrease in debt redemptions.

On May 1, 2005 Penelec redeemed all of its outstanding shares of 6.125% Series B Pollution Control Revenue Bonds at par, plus accrued interest to date of redemption.

Net cash used for financing activities was $70$95 million for the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to net cash provided from financing activities of $27$79 million in the first sixnine months of 2004. The net change of $97$174 million reflects the absence of a $150 million of long-term debt financing in 2004, a $25$24 million increase in common stock dividends to FirstEnergy in 2005 and a $44$218 million increase in repayments of short-term borrowings, offset by a $122$217 million decrease in debt redemptions.

Penelec had approximately $35,000 of cash and temporary investments (which includeincluded short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and approximately $205$190 million of short-term indebtedness as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005. Penelec has authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt of up to $250 million (including the utility money pool). Penelec will not issue FMB other than as collateral for senior notes, since its senior note indentures prohibit (subject to certain exceptions) Penelec from issuing any debt which is senior to the senior notes. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Penelec had the capability to issue $3$18 million of additional senior notes based upon FMB collateral. Penelec has no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

Penelec Funding LLC (Penelec Funding), a wholly owned subsidiary of Penelec, is a limited liability company whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from Penelec. Penelec Funding can borrow up to $75 million under a receivables financing arrangement. As a separate legal entity with separate creditors, Penelec Funding would have to satisfy its obligations to creditors before any of its remaining assets could be made available to Penelec. As of June 30, 2005, the facility was drawn for $64 million. On July 15, 2005, the facility was renewed until June 29, 2006. The facility was undrawn as of September 30, 2005. The annual facility fee is 0.25% on the entire finance limit.
160


On June 14, 2005, FirstEnergy, OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FES and ATSI, as Borrowers, entered into a syndicated $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the facility are available to each Borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing andor the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. Penelec's borrowing limit under the facility is $250 million.

Penelec has the ability to borrow from its regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet its short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in the secondthird quarter of 2005 was 2.93%3.5%.
146

Penelec’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of its securities and that of FirstEnergy. On May 16, 2005, S&P affirmed its 'BBB-' corporate credit ratings on FirstEnergy Corp. and its units and revised its outlook on the companies to positive from stable. S&P stated that the rating affirmation and outlook revision reflects the successful restart of the three nuclear units from their respective outages that occurred during the first half of 2005. S&P noted that a subsequent rating upgrade could follow if FirstEnergy's financial performance continues to improve as projected and as the nuclear operations further stabilize.

On July 18, 2005, Moody’s revised its rating outlook foron FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries to positive from stable. Moody’s stated that the revision to FirstEnergy’s rating outlook resulted from steady financial improvement and steps taken by management to improve operations, including the stabilization of its nuclear operations. Moody’s further stated that the revision in their outlook recognized management’s regional strategy of focusing on its core utility businesses.businesses and the improvement in FirstEnergy’s credit profile has been improving, with a significant debt reduction largely resultingstemming from the application of free cash flow.flow toward debt reduction. Moody’s notesnoted that a ratingratings upgrade could be considered if FirstEnergy continues to achieve planned improvements in its operations and balance sheet.

On October 3, 2005, S&P raised its corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and the EUOC to 'BBB' from 'BBB-'. At the same time, S&P raised the senior unsecured ratings at the holding company to 'BBB-' from 'BB+' and each of the EUOC by one notch above the previous rating. S&P noted that the upgrade followed the continuation of a good operating track record, specifically for the nuclear fleet through the third quarter 2005. S&P also stated that FirstEnergy’s rating reflects the benefits of supportive regulation, low-cost base load generation fleet, low-risk transmission and distribution operations and rate certainty in Ohio. FirstEnergy’s ability to consistently generate free cash flow, good liquidity, and an improving financial profile were also noted as strengths.

Penelec’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are influenced by the ratings of its securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook from S&P and Fitch on all securities is stable. Moody’s outlook on all securities is positive.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
 
Cash used for investing activities was $10$29 million in the secondthird quarter of 2005 compared to $13$24 million in the secondthird quarter of 2004. The increase was primarily due to increasedhigher property additions, partially offset by lower loan repayments from associated companies partially offset by higher property additions.and the absence in 2005 of an $11 million capital transfer from FESC that took place in September 2004. Cash used for investing activities was $27$56 million in the first sixnine months of 2005 compared to $74$98 million in the first sixnine months of 2005.2004. The decrease was primarily due to the absence in 2005 of a $51 million repayment to the NUG trust fund in 2004, and increased loan repaymentsloans from associated companies, and the $11 million capital transfer from above, partially offset by increasedhigher property additions.additions in 2005. Capital expenditures for property additions primarily support Penelec’s energy delivery operations.

Penelec’s capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $272 million for property additions and improvements, of which about $91 million applies to 2005. DuringIn the second halflast quarter of 2005, capital requirements for property additions are expected to be about $55$26 million. Penelec has no additional requirements of approximately $8 million for maturing long-term debt during the remainder of 2005. These cash requirements are expected to be satisfied from internal cash and short-term credit arrangements.

Market Risk Information
 
Penelec uses various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the Company.activities.

Commodity Price Risk

Penelec is exposed to marketprice risk primarily due to fluctuations influctuating electricity and natural gas prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, it uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including options and futures contracts. The derivatives are used for hedging purposes. Penelec’s non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2005, Penelec’s commodity derivatives contract was an embedded option with a fair value of $14 million. A decrease of $1 million in the value of this asset was recorded in the first sixnine months of 2005 as a decrease in regulatory liabilities, and therefore, had no impact on net income.



147161


The valuation of derivative commodity contracts is based on observable market information to the extent that such information is available. In cases where such information is not available, Penelec relies on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. Penelec uses these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for valuation of derivative contracts as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 are summarized by year in the following table:

Sources of Information -
                 
Fair Value by Contract Year
   
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
                  
                  
Prices based on external sources(2)
    $3 $3 $2 $- $- $- $8 
Prices based on models     -  -  -  2  2  2  6 
Total    $3 $3 $2 $2 $2 $2 $14 
                          
(1) For the last quarter of 2005.
(2) Broker quote sheets.

Sources of Information -
                 
Fair Value by Contract Year
   
2005(1)
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
                  
                  
Prices based on external sources(2)
    $3 $2 $2 $- $- $- $7 
Prices based on models     -  -  -  2  2  3  7 
Total    $3 $2 $2 $2 $2 $3 $14 
                          
 (1) For the last two quarters of 2005.
(2) Broker quote sheets.

Penelec performs sensitivity analyses to estimate its exposure to the market risk of its commodity positions. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift (an increase or decrease depending on the derivative position) in quoted market prices in the near term on both its trading and nontrading derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on its consolidated financial position or cash flows as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current fair value of approximately $59$61 million and $60 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $6 million reduction in fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005.

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PPUC and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods and, without such authorization, would have been charged to income when incurred. Penelec's regulatory assets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004 were $183$99 million and $200 million, respectively.

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. On April 13, 2005, the Commonwealth Court issued an interim order in the remand proceeding that the parties should report the status of the negotiations to the PPUC with a copy to the ALJ. The parties exchanged settlement proposals in May and June 2005 and continue to have settlement discussions.

In an October 16, 2003 order, the PPUC approved September 30, 2004 as the date for Met-Ed's and Penelec's NUG trust fund refunds. The PPUC order also denied their accounting treatment request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring Met-Ed and Penelec to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. On October 22, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Objection with the Commonwealth Court asking that the Court reverse this PPUC finding; a Commonwealth Court judge subsequently denied their Objection on October 27, 2003 without explanation. On October 31, 2003, Met-Ed and Penelec filed an Application for Clarification of the Court order with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16, 2003 Orders, and an application for reargument, if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that Met-Ed's and Penelec's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed on January 28, 2005.

Penelec purchases a portion of its PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sales agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless either party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Penelec under its NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for its uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Penelec is authorized to defer differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.On November 1, 2005, FES and the other parties to the wholesale power agreement amended the agreement to provide FES the right over the next year to terminate the agreement at any time upon 60 days notice. If the wholesale power agreement were terminated, Met-Ed and Penelec would need to satisfy the applicable portion of their PLR obligations from other sources at prevailing prices, which are likely to be higher than the current price charged by FES under the agreement and, as a result, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s purchased power costs could materially increase.

162


On January 12, 2005, Penelec filed a request with the PPUC to defer transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. The OCA, OSBA, OTS, MEIUG, PICA, Allegheny Electric Cooperative and Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association have all intervened in the case. To date no hearing schedule has been established, and Penelec has not yet implemented deferral accounting for these costs.

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made three filings pursuant to a settlement agreement previously approved by the FERC. Penelec was a party to that proceeding and joined in two of the filings. In the first filing, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing rate design within the PJM RTO. In the second filing, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Interventions and protests were filed on February 22, 2005. In the third filing, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Pepco Holdings, Inc. requested a formula rate for transmission service provided within their respective zones. On May 31, 2005, the FERC issued an order on these cases. First, it set for hearing the existing rate design and indicated that it will issue a final order within six months. Second, the FERC approved the proposed Schedule 12 rate harmonization. Third, the FERC accepted the proposed formula rate, subject to referral and hearing procedures. On June 30, 2005, the PJM transmission owners filed a request for rehearing of the May 31, 2005 order. The rate design and formula rate filings continue to be litigated before the FERC. The outcome of these two cases cannot be predicted.
148


See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania, including a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC that impact Penelec.

Environmental Matters

Penelec accrues environmental liabilities when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determineestimate the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in Penelec's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Penelec has been named a PRP at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis.

FirstEnergy plans to issue a report that will disclose the Companies’ environmental activities, including their plansregarding its response to respond to environmentalair emission requirements. FirstEnergy expects to complete the report by December 1, 20052005.

See Note 13(B) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and will post the report on its web site, www.firstenergycorp.com.a complete discussion of environmental matters.

Other Legal Proceedings

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to Penelec's normal business operations pending against Penelec. The most significantother material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. The U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force’s final report in April 2004 on the outages concluded,concludes, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes,concluded, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contained 46 "recommendations“recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations related to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, related to activities the Task Force recommended be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which were independently verified by NERC as complete in 2004 and were consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations in 2004 included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations regarding enhancements to regional reliability that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new or material upgrades to existing equipment, and therefore FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of JuneSeptember 30, 2005 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date. FirstEnergy notes, however, thatThe FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may, however, take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review FirstEnergy’s filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.



149163


One complaint was filed on August 25, 2004 against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed aFirstEnergy's motion to dismiss with the case was granted on September 26, 2005. Additionally, FirstEnergy Corp. was named in a complaint filed in Michigan State Court by an individual who is not a customer of any FirstEnergy company. A responsive pleading to this matter is not due until on October 22, 2004.or about December 1, 2005. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thusof potential liability has not been determined.undertaken in this matter.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition, and results of operations.operations and cash flows.

See Note 13(C) to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of other legal proceedings.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue 04-13, "Accounting for Purchases and Sales of Inventory with the Same Counterparty"
In September 2005, the EITF reached a final consensus on Issue 04-13 concluding that two or more legally separate exchange transactions with the same counterparty should be combined and considered as a single arrangement for purposes of applying APB 29, when the transactions were entered into "in contemplation" of one another. If two transactions are combined and considered a single arrangement, the EITF reached a consensus that an exchange of inventory should be accounted for at fair value. Although electric power is not capable of being held in inventory, there is no substantive conceptual distinction between exchanges involving power and other storable inventory. Therefore, Penelec will adopt this EITF effective for new arrangements entered into, or modifications or renewals of existing arrangements, in interim or annual periods beginning after March 15, 2006.

EITF Issue No. 05-6, "Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements Purchased after Lease Inception or Acquired in a Business Combination"
In June 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 05-6. EITF 05-6 addresses the amortization period for leasehold improvements that were either acquired in a business combination or placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the initial lease term. For leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination, the amortization period is the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term should be amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. This EITF was effective July 1, 2005 and is consistent with Penelec's current accounting.
164


FIN 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143”

On March 30, 2005, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarify the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation that is conditional on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient information to estimate the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, that fact and the reasons why must be disclosed. This Interpretation is effective for Penelec in the fourth quarter of 2005. Penelec is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation will have on its financial statements.

 
SFAS 154 - "Accounting“Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3"3”

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS 154 to change the requirements for accounting and reporting a change in accounting principle. It applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle and to changes required by an accounting pronouncement when that pronouncement does not include specific transition provisions. This Statement requires retrospective application to prior periods’ financial statements of changes in accounting principle, unless it is impracticable to determine either the period-specific effects or the cumulative effect of the change. In those instances, this Statement requires that the new accounting principle be applied to the balances of assets and liabilities as of the beginning of the earliest period for which retrospective application is practicable and that a corresponding adjustment be made to the opening balance of retained earnings (or other appropriate components of equity or net assets in the statement of financial position) for that period rather than being reported in an income statement.the Consolidated Statements of Income. This Statement also requires that a change in depreciation, amortization, or depletion method for long-lived, nonfinancial assets be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate effectedaffected by a change in accounting principle. The provisions of this Statement are effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Penelec will adopt this Statement effective January 1, 2006.

FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143"
SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

On March 30, 2005,In December 2004, the FASB issued FIN 47 to clarifySFAS 153 amending APB 29, which was based on the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations. Under this interpretation, companies are required to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligationprinciple that is conditionalnonmonetary assets should be measured based on a future event, if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. In instances where there is insufficient informationassets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to estimatethat principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the liability, the obligation is to be recognized in the first period in which sufficient information becomes available to estimate its fair value. If theexception from fair value cannot be reasonably estimated,measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that fact anddo not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the reasons why must be disclosed.future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this Statement are effective January 1, 2006 for Penelec. This InterpretationFSP is effective no later than the end of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2005. Therefore, Penelec will adopt this Interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2005. Penelec is currently evaluating the effect this Interpretation willnot expected to have a material impact on itsPenelec's financial statements.

EITF IssueSFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 03-1,43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 151 to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by Penelec beginning January 1, 2006. Penelec is currently evaluating this Standard and does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

165



FSP FAS 115-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004,September 2005, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1.FASB finalized and renamed EITF 03-1 providesand 03-1-a to FSP FAS 115-1. FSP FAS 115-1 will (1) supersede Issue 03-1 and EITF topic No. D-44, "Recognition of Other Than Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a model for determiningSecurity Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value," (2) clarify that an investor should recognize an impairment loss no later than when investments in certain debt and equity securities are consideredthe impairment is deemed other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair valuetemporary, even if a decision to sell has not been made, and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to(3) be effective for other-than-temporary impairment and analyses conducted in periods beginning after JuneSeptember 15, 2004, were delayed indefinitely by2005. The FASB expects to issue this FSP in the issuancefourth quarter of 2005, which would require prospective application with an effective date for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. Penelec is currently evaluating this FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, Penelec continues to evaluateand any impact on its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.investments.



150166


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See "Management’s“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operation and Financial Condition - Market Risk Information"Information” in Item 2 above.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
The applicable registrant's chief executive officer and chief financial officer have reviewed and evaluated the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of the end of the date covered by the report. Based on that evaluation, those officers have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to any information relating to the registrants’registrants and their consolidated subsidiaries that is required to be included in the registrants’ periodic reports and in ensuring that information required in the reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified by the SEC's rules and forms.

(b) CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROLS

On April 1,During the quarter ended September 30, 2005, FirstEnergy, the Ohio Companies and Penn implemented or modified certain internal controls over financial reporting to accommodate their participation in the launch of the MISO Day 2 wholesale energy markets for both day-ahead and real-time energy transmissions, as well as a financial transmission rights market for transmission capacity. MISO also started dispatching generating plants and providing real-time energy and balance services. The new or modified controls primarily relate to revenue and cost recognition associated with power sales and purchases in the MISO Day 2 markets. Management believes these controls are important for the accurate reporting of such amounts and, based upon management's testing, are adequate for such purposes. Therethere were no other changes in the registrants' internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants' internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2005.reporting.



151167


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Information required for Part II, Item 1 is incorporated by reference to the discussions in Notes 13 and 14 ofto the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
 
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(e) FirstEnergy

The table below includes information on a monthly basis regarding purchases made by FirstEnergy of its common stock.

        
Maximum Number
 
        
(or Approximate
 
      
Total Number of
 
Dollar Value) of
 
      
Shares Purchased
 
Shares that May
 
  
Total Number
   
As Part of Publicly
 
Yet Be Purchased
 
  
of Shares
 
Average Price
 
Announced Plans
 
Under the Plans
 
Period
 
Purchased (a)
 
Paid per Share
 
or Programs (b)
 
or Programs
 
          
April 1-30, 2005  449,813 $42.53  -  - 
May 1-31, 2005  940,490 $43.75  -  - 
June 1-30, 2005  1,103,335 $46.34  -  - 
              
Second Quarter 2005  2,493,638 $44.68  -  - 
        
Maximum Number
 
        
(or Approximate
 
      
Total Number of
 
Dollar Value) of
 
      
Shares Purchased
 
Shares that May
 
  
Total Number
   
As Part of Publicly
 
Yet Be Purchased
 
  
of Shares
 
Average Price
 
Announced Plans
 
Under the Plans
 
Period
 
Purchased (a)
 
Paid per Share
 
or Programs (b)
 
or Programs
 
          
July 1-31, 2005  219,344 $49.40  -  - 
August 1-31, 2005  698,858 $49.46  -  - 
September 1-30, 2005  489,705 $51.69  -  - 
              
Third quarter 2005  1,407,907 $50.23  -  - 

 

(a)Share amounts reflect purchases on the open market to satisfy FirstEnergy's obligations to deliver common stock under its Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Savings Plan and Stock Investment Plan. In addition, such amounts reflect shares tendered by employees to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes upon exercise of stock options granted under the Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan.

(b)FirstEnergy does not currently have any publicly announced plan or program for share purchases.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 4.SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    On November 1, 2005, the Restated Partial Requirements Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2003, as amended August 29, 2003 and June 8, 2004 (as so amended, the “Agreement”), among FES, Met-Ed, Penelec and Waverly was amended by the parties to provide FES the right over the next year to terminate the Agreement at any time upon 60 days written notice. Otherwise, the agreement remains automatically extended as to each operating company for each successive calendar year unless FES or such operating company elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year.

(a)The annual meeting of FirstEnergy shareholders was held on May 17, 2005.
    Under the Agreement, Met-Ed and Penelec currently purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES at fixed prices. The remainder of PLR requirements are currently sourced from existing NUG contracts or other power contracts with non-affiliated third party suppliers. If the Agreement were terminated, Met-Ed and Penelec would need to satisfy the applicable portion of their PLR obligations from other sources at prevailing prices, which are likely to be higher than the current price charged by FES under the Agreement, and as a result, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s purchased power costs could materially increase.

(b)At this meeting, the following persons were elected to FirstEnergy's Board of Directors:
    Met-Ed, Penelec and FES are all wholly owned subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and Waverly is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penelec. A copy of the November 1, 2005 amendment is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

  
Number of Votes
 
  
For
 
Withheld
 
      
Anthony J. Alexander  280,505,194  5,433,413 
Russell W. Maier  279,922,948  6,015,659 
Robert N. Pokelwaldt  280,048,373  5,890,234 
Wes M. Taylor  283,540,631  2,397,976 
Jesse T. Williams, Sr.  279,999,208  5,939,399 

The term of office for the following Directors continued after the shareholders meeting: Dr. Carol A. Cartwright, William T. Cottle, Paul J. Powers, George M. Smart, Dr. Patricia K. Woolf, Paul T. Addison, Ernest J. Novak, Jr., Catherine A. Rein and Robert C. Savage.

(c)(i)At this meeting, the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as auditor for the year 2004 was ratified:

Number of Votes
For
Against
Abstentions
281,532,886
1,685,722
2,719,999

(ii)At this meeting, a shareholder proposal requesting that FirstEnergy publish semi-annual reports regarding its political contributions was not approved (approval required a majority of votes cast):



152



Number of Votes
Broker
For
Against
Abstentions
Non-Votes
19,941,051
215,630,919
19,307,851
31,058,786

(iii)At this meeting, a shareholder proposal recommending that the Board of Directors take steps for adoption of simple majority voting was approved (approval required a majority of votes cast):

Number of Votes
Broker
For
Against
Abstentions
Non-Votes
178,017,001
71,654,202
5,208,721
31,058,683

Based on this result, the Board will further review this proposal and consider the appropriate steps to take in response.

(iv)At this meeting, a shareholder proposal recommending that any matching awards under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan be in the form of performance-based stock options was not approved (approval required a majority of the votes cast):

Number of Votes
Broker
For
Against
Abstentions
Non-Votes
47,687,400
202,204,312
4,988,404
31,058,491

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit
 
Number
 
   
JCP&L
 
   
 12Fixed charge ratios
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.3Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.2Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
Met-Ed
 
   
 10.1Notice of Termination Tolling Agreement, Restated Partial Requirements Agreement
12Fixed charge ratios
 31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
  
Penelec
 
   
 10.1    Notice of Termination Tolling Agreement, Restated Partial Requirements Agreement
12Fixed charge ratios
 15Letter from independent registered public accounting firm
 31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

168



FirstEnergy
 
   
10.1Notice of Termination Tolling Agreement, Restated Partial Requirements Agreement
10.2Agreement by and between FirstEnergy Generation Corp. and Bechtel Power Corporation dated August 26, 2005.*
 15Letter from independent registered public accounting firm
 31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
OE
 
   
 4.1Seventy-ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as successor Trustee under the Indenture dated as of August 1, 1930.

153


4.2
Eightieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as successor Trustee under the Indenture dated as of August 1, 1930.
4.3
Eighty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as successor Trustee under the Indenture dated as of August 1, 1930.
4.4
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1998.
4.5
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1998.
4.6
Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2005 between OE and The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1998.
10.1OE Nuclear Capital Contribution Agreement by and between Ohio Edison Company and
FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp. (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1).
10.2OE Fossil Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Ohio Edison Company (Seller) and
FirstEnergy Generation Corp. (Purchaser). (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2).
15Letter from independent registered public accounting firm
 31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
Penn
 
   
10.1PP Nuclear Subscription and Capital Contribution Agreement by and between Pennsylvania Power
Company and FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp. (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1).
10.2PP Fossil Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between Pennsylvania Power Company (Seller)
and FirstEnergy Generation Corp. (Purchaser). (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2).
 15Letter from independent registered public accounting firm.
 31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
CEI
 
   
 4.1
Eighty-seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2005 between CEI and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee under the Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of July 1, 1940.
4.2
Eighty-eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 2005 between CEI and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee under the Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of July 1, 1940.
10.1CEI Nuclear Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating
Exhibit 10.1).
10.2CEI Fossil Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
(Seller) and FirstEnergy Generation Corp. (Purchaser). (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2).
31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
TE
 
   
 4.1
Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2005 between TE and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee under the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of April 1, 1947.
10.1
TE Nuclear Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between The Toledo Edison Company (Seller) and FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp. (Purchaser). (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1).
10.2
TE Fossil Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between The Toledo Edison Company (Seller) and FirstEnergy Generation Corp. (Purchaser). (May 20, 2005 Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.2).
31.1Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 31.2Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
 32.1Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

* Confidential Treatment has been requested with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pursuant to reporting requirements of respective financings, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are required to file fixed charge ratios as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q. FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE and Penn do not have similar financing reporting requirements and have not filed their respective fixed charge ratios.

Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, neither FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed nor Penelec have filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the respective total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of their respective total assets of FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, or respectively, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed or Penelec, but hereby agree to furnish to the Commission on request any such documents.


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SIGNATURE



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



August 1,November 2, 2005






 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 Registrant
  
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC
 
ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
 Registrant
  
 
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
 Registrant





 
  /s/       Harvey L. Wagner
 
    Harvey L. Wagner
 
    Vice President, Controller
 
  and Chief Accounting Officer

 
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